Explainer: Tobacco Claims Over 80 Lakh Lives Annually, With Youth And Pregnant Women Among The Most Vulnerable

New Delhi: Every year, lakhs of lives are lost in the country due to the direct or indirect consumption of tobacco, a leading cause of various cancers, heart diseases, and respiratory diseases. It not only destroys families but also imposes a massive burden on the country’s economy and society. With rising urbanisation and corporate life, tobacco use, especially through smoking, is becoming increasingly popular among women as well..

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco is responsible for over 80 lakh deaths globally each year. Alarmingly,  many of these deaths occur among non-smokers through passive smoking. Over 12 lakh people die annually from passive smoking, including over 65000 children who succumb to illnesses related to second-hand smoking.

According to a study by WHO on the economic impact of tobacco-related diseases and deaths in India, the country loses more than 1% of its GDP due to diseases and premature deaths caused by smoking and smokeless tobacco use by people over the age of 35.

According to a KPMG report, India loses around 1% of its GDP annually due to the health consequences of tobacco consumption. India ranks second globally in terms of tobacco-related diseases and fatalities. According to an estimate, 49% of the youth in India reportedly consume tobacco in some form.

A WHO report revealed that for every Rs 100 earned in excise duty from tobacco products in India, the economy loses Rs 816 due to the rising costs associated with tobacco-related health issues and fatalities.

Head and neck cancer specialist Dr Kanak Yadav explains that consuming tobacco in any form, whether smoking, pan-masala, khaini, paan, or betel nut, can lead to mouth and throat cancer. He adds that when tobacco is consumed with alcohol, the risk of cancer increases up to three times. The human body naturally contains a gene that helps fight cancer, but consuming tobacco can damage this defense mechanism, turning healthy cells into cancerous cells.

Tobacco is not only harmful for men but also for women and children. Dr Yashli Thakur, Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Baghel Hospital and Research Center, Harda, Madhya Pradesh, warns that tobacco consumption during pregnancy in any form can severely harm both mother and the unborn child. It can often lead to complications, such as premature miscarriage and may negatively affect the child’s mental development.

Dangerous diseases caused by tobacco

Tobacco consumption in any form can cause several types of cancer, particularly affecting the mouth and throat. Apart from this, it can also lead to cancer of the tongue, cheeks, nose, and lungs.

Tobacco is dangerous for every part of the body

Whether it’s cigarette, bidi, gutkha, zarda, pan masala, or hookah, tobacco consumption harms nearly every organ in the body. Beyond cancer, it severely impacts the heart and other vital systems. Professor Om Shankar, a well-known cardiologist at BHU Hospital, explains that nicotine and other harmful chemicals in tobacco constrict blood vessels, restricting proper blood flow. This not only raises blood pressure, but also puts extra pressure on the heart. Prolonged tobacco consumption causes inflammation and damage to the lungs, making smoking the leading cause of lung cancer.

Tobacco addiction can be overcome only with strong willpower

The most powerful tool to quit any form of addiction, including tobacco,  is strong willpower. Often, individuals make repeated efforts to quit tobacco consumption but fail. The American Heart Association (AHA) offers several tips on its website for those looking to quit tobacco. By following these steps, one can get rid of tobacco addiction successfully.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on expert input. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.

Tags

• anti-tobacco awareness
• Ashish Maharishi
• Health risks of tobacco
• Tobacco impact on youth and pregnancy
• Tobacco-related deaths
• WHO tobacco report
• youth tobacco use