The Great Recession led to many people losing their jobs, which can affect their health. A study looked at how job loss impacts smoking habits. They found that when people lose their job involuntarily, they are more likely to start smoking. This risk is highest when they find a new job, and decreases when they leave the workforce completely. Changes in income and stress levels do not seem to explain these smoking changes. Programs to help displaced workers or new employees may help reduce the negative health effects of job loss during tough economic times.