Tobacco's Toll: Why We Can't Afford to Look Away

"Smoking is absolutely a serious social issue, and smokers know it too, but still, people don’t take it seriously."

The entire world debates, meetings are held, NGOs are running campaigns, but the problem remains unchanged, with no sign of improvement. It’s exactly like when our parents call us out on our bad habits, we get annoyed, but we never change.

Wisdom often comes after hitting rock bottom, and that's what happens with smokers.

It’s better to realize before it’s too late because not only are you destroying your own life, but you’re also endangering the lives of others around you.

I have to put on a mask when I’m out in public, just because of those active smokers who carelessly leave smoke clouds everywhere.

There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. It causes cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, and premature deaths, affecting 1.3 million people yearly.

But, instead of understanding, people are continuously utilizing these “Deadly” products.

The health crisis?

An estimated 250 million people in India use tobacco in various forms, where Common forms include? Smoking – bidis, cigarettes; Smokeless – khaini, gutka, mawa.

Smoking among males shifted from chewing to smoking between 1960 and 1970.Surveys in the 1980s showed prevalence of tobacco use among males between 46% and 63% in urban areas, 32% to 74% in rural areas, and females between 2% and 50%.ICMR studies were critical in documenting the high tobacco use rates.

Annually, it causes over 8 million deaths, with 7 million from direct use and 1.3 million from second-hand smoke exposure.

Tobacco kills up to half of its users.

80% of the world's 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries.In 2020, 22.3% of the global population used tobacco: 36.7% of men and 7.8% of women.

Health Impact- Facts & Figures (ICMR’s Role)

Tobacco is linked to 25 major diseases, including cancers of the oral cavity, lungs, and esophagus.

Tobacco-related morbidity and mortality prompted the government to take legislative action.

Tobacco use data was first scientifically documented in 1902 in India.

Cigarette Act of 1975 required health warnings on cigarette packs.

Studies were conducted on cancer, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and the economic burden of tobacco use.ICMR advocated for stronger tobacco control measures, focusing on generating scientific evidence on the harmful effects of tobacco.ICMR’s research helped push for tobacco control legislation and public health education.

India also signed the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) of WHO, with ICMR playing a key role in shaping policies.

Research and data provided by ICMR led to new tobacco control laws in 1986, expanding beyond cigarettes to include all tobacco products.

Studies from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and North-Eastern states showed a high prevalence of cancers linked to tobacco, especially in oral and esophageal cancers.

Childhood cancers were also studied, with varying rates across states.

Timeline of Key Tobacco Control Milestones in India and Globally

1970s:

• The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) identified tobacco as a significant public health issue and prioritized research efforts in this area.

1984:

• ICMR published a detailed report on the health, economic, and legislative aspects of tobacco use in India, highlighting the growing concerns.

1986:

• New tobacco control legislation was introduced to address the growing impact of tobacco use in the country.

1987-88 & 1993-94:

• The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) conducted nationwide surveys that included data on tobacco use patterns across India, helping to better understand its prevalence.

2003:

• Globally, WHO Member States adopted the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the first international treaty aimed at reducing tobacco use.
• 182 countries are now parties to this treaty.

WHO MPOWER Measures:

• Developed to align with WHO FCTC, the MPOWER measures focus on strategies that save lives and reduce healthcare costs associated with tobacco use.

New Tobacco Products

New products are evolving in the market year over year claiming their “Safety” over other products, and often marketed as lower risk!

Some of the products include Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs),Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS),Nicotine Pouches etc.

They contain varying levels of toxicants compared to traditional cigarettes.E-cigarettes are trendy but not without risks. With nicotine and harmful substances,? they are not really safe for long-term use.?

Apart from this,Nicotine pouches? are touted as tobacco-free alternatives, yet they still contain nicotine posing serious health complications.

Tackling the “Serious Scenario”

Around 1 in 10 tobacco products globally are illicit. Countries can tackle this issue, even with high tobacco taxes, by enforcing the WHO FCTC Protocol.

Complete bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship are effective in reducing consumption. However, only 66 countries have comprehensive bans.

Increasing tobacco taxes is the most effective method to reduce use, particularly among youth and low-income groups. However, only 41 countries have imposed high enough taxes.

Counseling and medication double the chances of quitting. However, comprehensive cessation services are available in only 32 countries.

With all this evidence, why are people still not taking smoking seriously?

We all know the risks, yet smoking continues to rise, especially among younger generations. Awareness is no longer the problem, but habitual denial is. Many people think, "It won’t happen to me," until it does.

What do you think?

Information Source: WHO, ICMR, CDC