New analysis from Public Health Wales (PHW) has found that an average of 3,845 deaths were due to smoking each year between 2020 and 2022 in Wales.

This accounted for more than one in ten of all deaths among those over 35.

PHW said that the analysis highlights the significant health impact of smoking, particularly in the most deprived communities, where the rate of deaths attributable to smoking was three times higher compared to in the least deprived communities.

In addition to being "the leading cause of preventable illness and death," the analysis showed that on average more than 17,000 hospital admissions each year in Wales were attributable to smoking.

Rates of smoking-attributable hospital admissions were also twice as high for residents of the most deprived communities, compared to those in the least deprived.

Chris Emmerson, consultant in public health at PHW, said: "These statistics are a stark reminder of the devastating impact that smoking continues to have on the health of the Welsh population, particularly in our most deprived communities.

"Despite the real progress we have made reducing the numbers taking up smoking and supporting smokers to quit, it’s clear that we need to make every effort to tackle smoking if we are to address these huge health and financial costs for the people of Wales."

PHW said it welcomes the announcement in the King’s Speech that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, first introduced by the previous UK government, will return to parliament in the current term.

The body also said that it welcomed the provisions of the previous Bill - which include banning the sale of tobacco products, herbal smoking products, and cigarette papers to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009.

Mr Emmerson added: "This new analysis highlights the benefits that ambitious policies to prevent young people from starting to smoke could deliver.

"Help Me Quit, our national NHS smoking cessation service, helped over 16,000 people last year and is ready to provide free, friendly, and effective support to every single smoker who is ready to quit."

Support for smokers is available at https://www.helpmequit.wales/ and on 0800 085 2219.