The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The Hospital Authority (HA) welcomed the passage of the Smoking (Public Health) (Amendment) Bill 2019 by the Legislative Council today (October 21), which helps safeguard public health by discouraging the consumption of alternative smoking products and minimising the impact of passive smoking on the public.
"Many studies have showed that e-cigarette and heat-not-burn products will emit toxic substances. Some of these harmful substances will lead to cell damage and could increase the risk of cancer, besides the harm caused to others by passive smoking," the HA spokesperson said.
"Medical research has confirmed that smoking can lead to various serious illnesses such as lung cancer, heart diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and stroke. If infected with COVID-19, a smoker's condition will likely be more severe than that of an ordinary patient."
The HA appeals to smokers to quit smoking immediately to minimise the chance of developing severe smoking-related illnesses.
The spokesperson added that the HA operates 70 Smoking Counselling and Cessation Centres territory-wide in Hong Kong. Services are delivered by a multidisciplinary team through professional counselling, assistance and follow-up services to help smokers in quitting their smoking habit. Nicotine replacement therapy will also be prescribed according to the need of individuals. The centres also provide information and advice to relatives and friends who wish to help smokers to quit smoking.
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