“The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly six million people a year. Unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will increase to more than eight million per year by 2030.”1
Tobacco includes the products which are derived either in part or entirely from tobacco leafs and are usually smoked, and to a lesser extent snuffed, chewed or sucked. Tobacco smoking is one of the biggest health concerns and indeed pose a challenge to healthcare professionals. Robust evidence shows that out of 4000 chemicals present in tobacco smoke, at least 250 are recognised as harmful and more than 50 are carcinogenic.2
Global Tobacco Epidemic Report 2013
Non communicable diseases (NCDs), primarily Diabetes, Cancers, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases account for 63% of all deaths worldwide and tobacco smoking is one of the biggest contributing factor in development of these diseases.2 About one in six persons die every second due to tobacco use, accounting for one in 10 adult deaths.1
Additionally, widespread smoking practices put non-smokers at a significant risk as well.2 Second-hand smoke surrounds us in offices, restaurants and even at public places when people consume tobacco products such as cigarettes. More than 600 000 deaths occur annually as a result of exposure of non-smokers to second-hand smoke.1
Along with the catastrophic health damage, the tobacco epidemic also causes immense economic damage of more than half a trillion dollars each year.2 Thus, Tobacco control should be a critical priority for the government and healthcare organisations and they should be able to provide every citizen to breathe “tobacco smoke free” air. An “ecological approach” which intervenes at multiple levels, is therefore necessary to tackle this problem effectively and cost effectively.
Usman Fiaz – 13030592
Tobacco Smoking – A single risk factor for multiple diseases 