20 minutes

Blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal.

8 hours

Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half, oxygen levels return to normal.

24 hours

Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucus and other smoking debris.

48 hours

There is no nicotine in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hours

Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks

Your circulation improves.

3-9 months

Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung function increases by up to 10%.

5 years

Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

10 years

Risk of lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.

Benefits of going Smokefree

• You will reduce your risk of developing illness, disability or death caused by cancer, heart or lung disease.
• You will reduce your risk of gangrene or amputation caused by circulatory problems.
• You will protect the health of those around you by not exposing them to secondhand smoke.
• You will reduce the chances of your children suffering from asthma or glue ear.
• You will improve your fertility levels and your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby.
• You will improve your breathing and general fitness.
• You will enjoy the taste of food more.

How will my lifestyle improve?

• You will save money - as much as several hundred pounds a month, if you're a heavy smoker.
• You will no longer smell of stale tobacco.
• The appearance of your skin and teeth will improve.
• You will feel more confident in social situations - you won't be worrying about the secondhand smoke you create anymore.
• As a non-smoker, you may even find you get approached more often by potential new friends and partners when out socialising.
• Your home will smell fresh and you will no longer be staining your walls with nicotine.
• You will reduce the risk of fire in your home.