Smoking: tackling the silent epidemic.

Currently, approximately 25% of the UK population smokes and the percentage of those quitting has slowed to about 0.4% per year. Legislation against smoking in workplaces and public places came into force in England on 1 July 2007, bringing England into line with the rest of the UK. This legislation may give more smokers an incentive to quit, and health professionals are well placed to advise and support them. Smokers' chances of success are low if they attempt to quit unaided, but doubled if they use a treatment product. The use of nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion and varenicline is explained. NHS Stop Smoking services are available to support smokers through the difficulties of withdrawal symptoms, and training for this work is available. Health professionals should take every opportunity to raise the topic of quitting, especially with pregnant women and with parents whose smoking is harmful to their children's health.