Laws have little effect in curbing tobacco use

Kakinada: World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31 to inspire people to stop smoking. The tobacco menace is one of the major health problems in the world, killing more than 70 lakh people each year.

More than 60 lakh of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 8.9 lakh are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke or passive smoking.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO), India is home to 1 2 per cent of the world's smokers and tobacco kills more than 10 lakh people each year in the country

Psychologist and international corporate trainer APJ Vinu speaking to The Hans India here on Saturday, said that smoking tobacco, both cigarettes and beedis, is the principal cause of lung cancer in India.

Other illnesses too are associated with smoking, but knowing all this ill effects, smokers are reluctant to quit it.

Vinu said that they take it for granted and develop a behaviour that smoking is part of life. "Smokers as well as non-smokers die but the difference is the diseases which make a smoker's life a living hell. He has to experience various health complications, suffering with prolonged illnesses," he said while adding that apart from personal agony, there are social consequences too.

Smoking in public places affects the air and health of people and pollute surroundings. He said that it is evident that a ban on smoking in public places could be an effective measure to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke which has long been associated with negative health effects on the health of passers-bye, others standing near-by, children, the sick and the elderly. "By quitting smoking, you will prevent your near and dear from passive smoking. This will enhance their health too," Vinu says.

As per the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003, smoking in public places is banned and those who violate the law will be slapped a fine of Rs. 200, but Vinu laments that the law is not adhered to by many smokers.

He said smoking tobacco affects one's performance, the harmful carbon monoxide replaces the oxygen in the body causing shortness of breath, reducing stamina, specially during workouts.