SUMMARY. Smoking is the leading known cause of preventable death and disease among women. The number of women smoking will increase over the next generation. The most prominent rise will be in lesser developed countries. Men and women differ in smoking habits and their reasons for quitting. The main smoking-related diseases affect women in the same way as men: lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cardiovascular disease. Women are also at risk of developing a number of gender-specific problems. Smoking during pregnancy is associated with an overall increased risk of perinatal mortality. It has also been demonstrated to have potential adverse effects on female fertility and bone density in the menopause. In order to limit the epidemic of smoking and smokingrelated diseases, a number of actions need to be taken. Pneumon 2007; 20(1):35-42.