Lucknow: Tobacco use is a major cause of death and disease in India, which is responsible for more than 10 lakh deaths annually (estimated to be more than 80 lakh worldwide), these deaths are such that they can be prevented by prohibition of tobacco. On the other hand, tobacco use in India causes an economic burden of about Rs 220 crore (more than 14 lakh crore in the world). 26 crore people in the country consume tobacco, which includes about 29 percent young men and women.
This information was given by Dr Ved Prakash, Head of the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care of King George Medical University, in a press conference held in his department today. The press conference was organized on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day (31 May). Dr Ved said that according to the World Health Organization, 20 to 30 percent children are born with low weight due to tobacco while 14 percent children are born in premature delivery. Apart from these, coronary heart disease is 10 times more.
He said that tobacco is consumed in various forms in India, including smoking (cigarettes, bidi) and smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, gutkha, khaini). The use of smokeless tobacco is particularly high, India has the highest rate of smokeless tobacco consumption in the world.
Dr Ved said that a large part of non-smokers in India are exposed to passive smoking. About 38 percent adults and 52 percent children are exposed to smoking in public places, homes and workplaces. About 30 percent cancer in India is caused by tobacco consumption. According to the International Center for Disease Control and Prevention, among the youth involved in tobacco use, 9 out of every 10 people start smoking before the age of 18 and 100 percent people start smoking by the age of 26.
He said tobacco cultivation contributes to deforestation, soil erosion and water pollution, with an estimated 50 lakh hectares of forest being lost annually due to tobacco cultivation.
Dr Rajendra Prasad, former director of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, who was present at the press conference, said World No Tobacco Day is an annual global event celebrated on May 31, dedicated to raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use on health and creating effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. This year’s theme is protecting children from the interference of the tobacco industry. Which is of utmost importance in the fight against tobacco consumption.
He said tobacco consumption has an adverse effect on health. Tobacco consumption is associated with many serious health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and reproductive disorders. He said that if a person consuming tobacco shows symptoms like persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, decrease in physical fitness, yellowing of teeth and fingers, bad breath, reduced sense of taste and smell, then he should contact a doctor. He said that the use of tobacco has increased the risk of oral health problems including gum disease, tooth decay and mouth cancer.
On this occasion, Prof. US Pal, Prof. Vijay Kumar, de-addiction specialist Dr. Amit Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Sachin, Dr. Arif, Dr. Atul, Dr. Mrityunjay, Dr. Anurag, Dr. Deepak, Dr. Shubhra, Dr. Sandeep, Dr. Aparna etc. were also present.
