According to a recent report from the charity Action on Smoking and Health, smoking among pregnant women in certain areas of Bradford has reached alarming levels, with rates as high as 25%.

The report indicates that smoking disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in the district. Presented at a Bradford Council meeting, the findings show that the smoking rates during pregnancy are particularly high in areas such as Keighley West (25%) and Tong (22.7%).

The charity highlighted the serious health risks associated with smoking during pregnancy, including stillbirth, premature birth, miscarriages, birth defects, and sudden infant death syndrome. On average, the smoking rate among pregnant women in Bradford stands at 8.9%, exceeding the national average of 7.5%.

The report, commissioned last year with the aim of curbing smoking and vaping in the district, also revealed that smoking costs Bradford a staggering £455 million annually, which includes £285 million in lost productivity, £143 million in social care costs, and £22.3 million in health-related expenses. Furthermore, smoking is identified as the leading cause of preventable diseases, disabilities, and premature death.

While some areas, like Wharfedale, have a low smoking rate of 6.9%, other neighbourhoods report much higher statistics—City ward residents over 15 years old have a smoking rate of 35%, with Tong at 25.9%, Keighley Central at 23.7%, and Eccleshill at 22.3%.

Despite a general decrease in smoking rates across Bradford, the district still experiences higher prevalence and smoking-related mortality rates than many other regions in England. Bradford Council documents stress that smoking significantly reduces life expectancy, with smokers losing an average of ten years compared to non-smokers.

During the Health and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee meeting, council members reviewed the progress made in reducing smoking rates in Bradford. Caroline Cerny from Action on Smoking and Health noted that although smoking rates have declined alongside national trends, Bradford still has a higher number of smokers compared to many areas due to historical disadvantages.

She emphasized the importance of continuing a comprehensive and sustained approach to tackling smoking, particularly given that smoking will kill two-thirds of long-term smokers and places a significant burden on local services and the economy.