Find trusted information, advice and support on smoking, vaping and stopping smoking in Northern Ireland. Learn about the health risks, the benefits of quitting and where to access free stop smoking support.

Free support is available across Northern Ireland to help you stop smoking.

Local stop smoking services provide practical advice, treatments and ongoing support tailored to your needs. Using these services can make you up to four times more likely to quit successfully. 

Find your local service: https://www.stopsmokingni.info

Smoking and your health

Smoking is the leading cause of preventable illness and early death. It increases your risk of serious conditions including heart disease, cancer and respiratory illness.

Stopping smoking improves your health at any age and reduces your risk of disease.

Vaping and your health

Vaping is not risk-free. Most vapes contain nicotine, which is addictive.

Vaping may be less harmful than smoking for adults who switch completely, but it can still have health risks and is not recommended for children and young people.

Protecting children and young people

Children and young people are particularly vulnerable to the harms of smoking and vaping.

• Exposure to smoke increases the risk of respiratory illness
• Nicotine can affect brain development in young people
• Early use of vaping may increase the likelihood of smoking

Preventing uptake among young people is a key public health priority.

New legislation on tobacco and vaping

The Tobacco and Vapes Act (2026) introduces new measures in Northern Ireland to protect children and young people and reduce harm.

These include:

• plans to create a smoke‑free generation
• stronger regulation of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products
• restrictions on access to these products for under 18s

Find out more:
https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/tobacco-and-vapes-act-documents