World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on 31st May. Every year this day is observed with a different theme. This year in 2023, the theme is “We need food, not tobacco”. On this day WHO and public health champions around the world come together to celebrate World No Tobacco Day. This observance is done to inform public about the different dangers of using tobacco in any forms.
World No Tobacco Day
The World No Tobacco Day was created by WHO ( World Health Organization ) in the year 1987. to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. The day is further intended to draw attention to the widespread prevalence of tobacco use and to negative health effects. Tobacco, currently lead to more than 8 million deaths each year worldwide. The most surprising fact is, out of these 8 million, 1.2 million are non smokers being exposed to second hand smoke.
World No Tobacco Day Themes
Each year WHO propose a theme for the World No Tobacco Day.
- In 2018, the focus was “Tobacco breaks hearts: choose health, not tobacco” #NoTobacco.
- In 2019, the focus was on “Tobacco and lung health”.
- In 2020, the focus was on “Tobacco and related industry tactics to attract younger generations”.
- In 2021, the focus was “Commit to quit”.
- In 2022, the focus was “Tobacco: Threat to our environment”.
- In 2023, the focus is “Grow food, not tobacco”.
- As per WHO, “The harmful impact of the tobacco industry on the environment is vast and growing, adding unnecessary pressure to our planet’s already scarce resources and fragile ecosystems.”
- Every year, the WHO honours governments, organisations and individuals for their efforts and contributions to curbing tobacco use.
- Last year, the WHO has selected Jharkhand for the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) Award-2022.
Health Implications of Tobacco
Tobacco addiction has been recognised as the single largest cause of preventable death and disability worldwide.
Every year millions of people die due to tobacco use. India accounts for nearly 1.35 million deaths every year and it is also the second largest consumer and producer of tobacco. Nearly 80 lakh people die every year globally, of whom 13.5 lakh are Indians. Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases risk for tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and problems of the immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Secondhand smoke exposure contributes to approximately 41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults and 400 deaths in infants each year. Secondhand smoke causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory symptoms, and slowed lung growth.
Women smokers are increasing. Women face additional hazards like adverse pregnancy outcomes, female specific cancers such as cancer of breast, cervix, and increased cardiovascular risks. Unless sustained and effective initiatives are implemented the prevalence of female smoking is likely to rise to 20% by 2025.
Environment Effects of Tobacco
- Emission of Greenhouse Gas: More than 84 megatons of GreenHouse gas emissions occur in a year.
- Contamination of soil and water: Tobacco contaminates soil and water due to toxins and contamination of soil by the micro plastics in the cigarette butts and single use non-biodegradable pouches and e-cigarettes.
- Tonnes of water are used to make cigarettes.
- Deforestation: More than 60 million trees are chopped down to make cigarettes.
Tobacco
Tobacco is a plant grown for its leaves, which are dried and fermented before being put in tobacco products. Tobacco contains nicotine, an ingredient that can lead to addiction, which is why so many people who use tobacco find it difficult to quit. There are also many other potentially harmful chemicals found in tobacco or created by burning it.
People can smoke, chew, or sniff tobacco. Smoked tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, bidis, and kreteks. Some people also smoke loose tobacco in a pipe or hookah (water pipe). Chewed tobacco products include chewing tobacco, snuff, dip, and snus; snuff can also be sniffed.
The nicotine in any tobacco product readily absorbs into the blood when a person uses it. Upon entering the blood, nicotine immediately stimulates the adrenal glands to release the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline). Epinephrine stimulates the central nervous system and increases blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. As with drugs such as cocaine and heroin, nicotine activates the brain’s reward circuits and also increases levels of the chemical messenger dopamine, which reinforces rewarding behaviors. Studies suggest that other chemicals in tobacco smoke, such as acetaldehyde, may enhance nicotine’s effects on the brain.
For many who use tobacco, brain changes brought on by continued nicotine exposure result in addiction. When a person tries to quit, he or she may have withdrawal symptoms, including:
- irritability
- problems paying attention
- trouble sleeping
- increased appetite
- powerful cravings for tobacco
Both behavioral treatments and medications can help people quit smoking, but the combination of medication with counseling is more effective than either alone.
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