Fashion Industry blamed for Glamorising Smoking

30 November -0001

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The fashion industry was blamed yesterday for glamorising smoking, despite medical evidence which shows it hastens the onset of wrinkles and signs of old age.

Sir Liam Donaldson, the Government's chief medical officer, accused the industry of deceiving the public by linking smoking cigarettes with beauty when the truth was that it destroyed the skin and made people look prematurely old.

The tobacco industry is very good at using fashion, glamour and success as a hot button to promote its products. We should use skin ageing as a hot button on the health front, he said.The industry based on glamour success and people’s lifestyle aspirations, often depicted models smoking therefore creating a link “it’s cool to smoke.

The reality is that smoking destroys the skin by degrading collagen and damaging the tiny blood vessels that feed it says Sir Liam: Many people are aware smoking causes premature death and serious diseases like heart disease and cancer, but it is less well publicized that smoking prematurely ages the skin even though people will often notice smokers look a lot older than their years, and the changes are irreversible.

The reality is that smoking destroys the skin by degrading collagen and damaging the tiny blood vessels that feed it says Sir Liam: Many people are aware smoking causes premature death and serious diseases like heart disease and cancer, but it is less well publicized that smoking prematurely ages the skin even though people will often notice smokers look a lot older than their years, and the changes are irreversible.

In the US were there is a smoking ban in place pubs, clubs and restaurants still thrive so he insists that it is a fallacy that the leisure industry would suffer.

John Reid, the Health Secretary, is said to be opposed to a ban, in favour of voluntary measures to create smoke-free areas in bars and restaurants. Sir Liam disagrees with Mr. Reid, but hopes the minister will have a change of mind.

John Reid, the Health Secretary, is said to be opposed to a ban, in favour of voluntary measures to create smoke-free areas in bars and restaurants. Sir Liam disagrees with Mr. Reid, but hopes the minister will have a change of mind.

Sir Liam’s comments were broadly welcomed by the anti-smoking lobby, with one spokesperson saying “Smokers don't grow old, they just look old."

The British Medical Association was quoted as saying that it was time for ministers to show leadership, and follow the example of Ireland, Norway and New York. (source independant)

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