Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in Florida.

Tobacco cessation means quitting the use of tobacco and nicotine products. This includes cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (vapes), hookah, and other tobacco products.

Quitting tobacco can improve your health and lower your risk of serious diseases. While quitting can be challenging because nicotine is highly addictive, support and resources are available to help you succeed.

There is no safe tobacco product. Tobacco and nicotine can expose your body to harmful chemicals and lead to addiction and other serious health problems.

Cigarettes

Smoking cigarettes increases the risk of:

  • Heart disease and stroke
  • Lung disease, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Lung and other cancers
  • Diabetes
  • Gum disease and other oral health problems

Secondhand smoke can also harm people who do not smoke, including children and family members.

Electronic Cigarettes and Vaping
  • Many e-cigarettes and vaping products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive.
  • The aerosol from vaping products may contain harmful substances, including chemicals linked to lung damage and cancer.
  • E-cigarettes are not risk-free and are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a way to quit smoking.
Hookah
  • Hookah is not a safe alternative to cigarettes.
  • Hookah smoke can contain nicotine, carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and other harmful chemicals. The water used in a hookah does not remove these substances.
  • Using hookah may increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.
Tobacco Use During Pregnancy

There is no safe amount of tobacco or nicotine use during pregnancy.

Using tobacco during pregnancy can increase the risk of:

  • Premature birth
  • Low birth weight
  • Problems with a baby’s growth and development
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Stillbirth
  • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Nicotine from cigarettes, vapes, and other products can affect a baby’s developing brain and lungs. Exposure to secondhand smoke during pregnancy can also increase health risks.

If you are pregnant and use tobacco, quitting at any stage of pregnancy can help protect both your health and your baby’s health. Talk with your health care provider about available support and resources.

Support for Mothers and Newborns

Community Resources