Aim: Tobacco use remains the largest preventable cause of death and disease in New Zealand. The aim of this paper was to identify all known health consequences of smoking, including exposure to other people's smoke, focusing on Maori.
Method: A review of the scientific literature, 'grey' literature, and, Government health data and reports.
Results: Smoking has been causally linked with cardiovascular disease (CVD), many cancers, and several respiratory diseases, and, rates are higher for Maori than non-Maori. There are many consequences for smokers loved ones, including, pregnancy and birth complications, SUDI, and increased respiratory infections, cancers and CVD for children and adults. Maori have higher rates of still-birth and SUDI.
Conclusion: This paper summarises all health consequences, to the smoker and their family. Supporting smoking cessation among Maori, particularly women and parents, may be one of the quickest pathways to health improvements for Maori.