Studies indicate that smoking not only accelerates aging in women but may also affect fertility and even increase the risk of diseases such as breast cancer. The Health Promotion Administration reminds the public that staying away from tobacco products and e-cigarettes is an important step in protecting women's health and urges the public to establish smoke-free lifestyles to safeguard their own and their families' health.
According to the National Health Administration's "Smoking Behavior Survey of Taiwanese People," the overall smoking rate among people aged 18 and above has decreased from 14.5% in 2017 to 12.8% in 2024, but the smoking rate among women has increased from 2.3% to 4.2%. Furthermore, in 2024, the rate of e-cigarette use among women was higher than that among men. The survey shows that the main reason women use e-cigarettes is "curiosity," accounting for 46.3%, followed by "influenced by friends," accounting for 14.8%.
The Health Promotion Administration points out that smoking increases skin wrinkles, accelerates aging, and may also cause yellowing teeth, bad breath, and increased plaque. From a health perspective, smoking reduces egg production, lowers estrogen levels and fertility, increases the risk of infertility, may cause premature menopause, and increases the likelihood of diseases such as fractures, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.
In addition, e-cigarettes, which have become popular in recent years, often attract young people with their diverse flavors and packaging, but most e-cigarettes still contain nicotine, which can not only easily cause addiction, but may also damage the lungs and affect brain development.
The Health Promotion Administration also warns that the health effects of secondhand smoke on pregnant women and infants should not be ignored. In 2024 , the rate of secondhand smoke exposure in Taiwanese households was 35.6%, with the rate for women reaching 38.8%. Prolonged exposure of pregnant women to secondhand smoke may increase the risk of low birth weight in infants, impair brain development, and even increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
To assist people in quitting smoking, the Health Promotion Administration provides a variety of smoking cessation services. Nearly 3,000 medical institutions, health centers, and pharmacies across Taiwan offer professional smoking cessation clinics and consultations. People can also call the toll-free smoking cessation hotline 0800-636363 or seek professional assistance through LINE ( ID: @tsh0800636363 ) to have a specialist help them plan a personalized smoking cessation program.
