The Department of Health urges the public to support World No Tobacco Day tomorrow to nurture a smoke-free culture in Hong Kong.

Assistant Director of Health Dr Regina Ching said smoking has been the single largest preventable cause of death in Hong Kong, killing a daily average of 19 people.

She said studies have shown smokers who change to low-tar cigarettes may inhale more deeply and frequently, making the low-tar cigarettes as harmful as high-tar ones.

"Second-hand smoke was the most important indoor air pollutant. It is a proven fact that both smoking and second-hand smoke are hazardous to health," Dr Ching said. "Both smokers and non-smokers are affected by second-hand smoke."

She urged the public to:

* quit smoking;

* choose smoke-free restaurants;

* support legislation to extend the smoking ban to indoor workplaces and restaurants;

* report smoking in the no-smoking areas;

* advocate a smoke-free workplace policy; and,

* encourage and support others trying to quit.