Tobacco Control Program

Promoting quitting among young people and adults

20 minutes:
Blood pressure drops to normal; pulse rate drops to normal; increased circulation in hands

8 hours:
Oxygen level in your blood increases to normal; carbon monoxide level in your blood drops

24 hours:
Your chance for a heart attack has already gone down.

48 hours:
Your ability to smell and taste is already improved; walking is becoming easier.

2 weeks to 3 months:
Your circulation has improved. No more cold hands and cold feet. Your lung function has already increased up to 30%.

1 month to 9 months:
You'll notice that coughing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath have decreased dramatically. Cilia have re-grown in your lungs increasing your ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection.

1 year:
Your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.

5 years:
Risk of stroke reduced to that of a nonsmoker. Risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and esophagus cut in half. Risk of lung cancer reduced in half compared to a smoker.

15 years:
Congratulations! Your risk for coronary heart disease and stroke is the same as for a lifelong nonsmoker.