The Risks of Tobacco Use

Tobacco use is associated with a range of health risks. Smoking increases the risk of many types of cancer, including lung cancer[1]. It also increases the risk of heart disease, as studies show a direct link between cigarette smoking and coronary heart disease[1]. Tobacco use, including during teenage years, increases the risk of dying from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)[1].

Pregnant women who smoke or use tobacco products are at increased risk of complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)[1]. Second-hand smoke exposure is also harmful, causing an estimated 41,000 deaths from lung cancer and heart disease among non-smoking adults each year in the United States. [1]

Main Dangers of Smoking

1. Lung Cancer – nr. 1 death in all types of cancer
2. Heart Disease & Stoke
3. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) Emphysema and Asthma
4. Affects women’s reproductive system & premature/ low birth-weight babies
5. Diabetes

Smoking is a significant public health concern in the United Kingdom and Europe. Tobacco consumption is the largest avoidable behavioural risk factor for health in the European Union, accounting for about 700,000 deaths per year [1]. In the UK, smoking is one of the leading causes of death and illness, with around 78,000 people dying from smoking-related illnesses each year [2]. Smoking increases the risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory diseases.

Despite several attempts to reduce smoking rates, the prevalence of smoking remains high in some parts of Europe. According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), over 25% of adults smoke in Greece, Turkey, and Russia [2]. In the UK, the smoking rate has declined in recent years, with 14.7% of adults smoking in 2019 [3]. However, smoking rates remain higher among certain groups, such as those with lower incomes and those with mental health conditions [3].

Efforts to reduce smoking rates in the UK and Europe include tobacco taxes, advertising bans, and smoking cessation programs. In the UK, the government has set a target to reduce smoking rates to 12% or less by 2022[2]. The European Union has also implemented measures to reduce smoking rates, including pictorial health warnings on cigarette packages and restrictions on advertising [4].

Sources:

[1.] https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/health_effects/index.htm

[2.] https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/what-are-the-health-risks-of-smoking/

[3.] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommun

[4.] https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/1c429c01-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/1c429c01-en