Want another reason to quit smoking? A new study says that the unhealthy habit robs almost 10 years off your life. Finnish researchers looked at the cardiovascular risks and smoking habits of 1,658 healthy men in 1974. After re-evaluation 26 years later, they found that participants who had never smoked lived an average of 10 years longer than those who were heavy smokers (more than 20 cigarettes per day).

The data also revealed that the quality of life of heavy smokers who survived greatly differed from those who never smoked. Heavy smokers had more problems functioning physically and role limitations caused by health issues. Also, even though almost 70 percent of the heavy smokers quit by 2000, researchers found that the effect of smoking still strongly impacted ex-smokers’ death and quality of life for study participants.

Translation: While quitting is key for living a better and healthier life, it’s best not to start smoking.

Read how Law and Order’s S. Epatha Merkerson beat her 23-year smoking addiction.