24 per cent of children Under-16 consuming tobacco products

New Delhi/Bhopal: Alarmingly, about 24 per cent of children under 16 years of age in India consume tobacco products in some form, leading to devastating health outcomes underscoring the urgent need to shield the younger generation from the harmful influence of the tobacco industry said Dr.  Naresh Purohit, Advisor- National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).

Voicing his concern on this issue here after addressing a webinar on “Safeguarding adolescents from the perils of tobacco” organised by the Bhopal based Jawahar Lal Nehru Cancer Hospital and Research Centre on the eve of World NoTobacco Day, acclaimed Epidemiologist Dr Purohit averred that the escalating trend of addiction among the youth in India is a serious challenge to public health. Each year, tobacco consumption claims the lives of 1.2 million people in the country.  India also produces 7.72 lakh tons of Tobacco each year being the 2nd largest producer globally and has over 27 crore Tobacco users (NFHS).

“Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths and diseases worldwide. It significantly contributes to heart disease, cardiovascular issues and brain strokes. The Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2016-17 revealed that approximately 29 per cent (270 million) of Indian youth and adults use tobacco products, including cigarettes, gutkha, supari tobacco, jarda, bidi and hookah.” he informed.

“According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS- 5) about 38 per cent of Indian men are addicted to tobacco. Notably, tobacco consumption is higher in rural areas (42.7 per cent) compared to urban regions (28.8 per cent). Among women, tobacco use stands at approximately 8.9 per cent, with rural women showing higher consumption rates than their urban counterparts. These statistics are a cause for significant concern.” he said

Principal Investigator for the National Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme , Dr Purohit stated that smoking damages the alveoli in the lungs, leading to lung cancers.
In addition tobacco increases the risk of oral, throat, oesophageal, bladder and kidney cancers. Respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD), heart attacks and strokes are also linked to tobacco chewing. Smoking is responsible for approximately 90 per cent of cancer deaths. The risk of death from heart disease and strokes rises significantly among tobacco users.

“The rising addiction among youth threatens their future health. Young people must resist industry influences that target youth and promote e-cigarettes and flavoured nicotine pouches and candy which are also harmful and lay the foundation for tobacco” he added

Experts said that tobacco use also reduces fertility in both men and women and can cause severe complications during pregnancy. Smoking and use of tobacco can lead to severe asthma and tuberculosis causing significant suffering.

“Smokers are significantly more likely to die from COPD . People should avoid tobacco products and seek medical help if addicted.” they added.

“The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 aims to protect consumers, reduce tobacco use and prevent related diseases. It includes measures such as banning smoking in public places, regulating sales near educational institutions and issuing health warnings to inform the public. ” experts pointed.

*Dr. Narresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state Health organizations.    He’s  the Principle Investigator – Association of Studies In Behavioural Science),                 Dr. Purohit is also Advisor-National Mental Health Program .