Tobacco Use Causes 8 Million Deaths a Year

Türkiye Yeşilay Cemiyeti, on 9 February World No Tobacco Day, emphasized that tobacco use causes more than 8 million deaths annually and is one of the greatest public health threats. Yeşilay, which serves with all its units to support those wishing to overcome addiction, called for a healthier future. Türkiye Yeşilay Cemiyeti, as one of the world's oldest civil society organizations combating addiction, has continued its struggle that began with alcohol to encompass tobacco, substance, gambling, and most recently technology addiction. Türkiye Yeşilay Cemiyeti, which pursues its fight against tobacco products use with a public health basis and prevention focus, drew attention to the risks created by tobacco products and electronic cigarettes on 9 February World No Tobacco Day.

Prof. Dr. Mücahit Öztürk, Chairman of Türkiye Yeşilay Cemiyeti, made the following statement on the matter:

"Tobacco use is a leading cause of many diseases, including certain cancers, heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory tract diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight and premature birth. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that tobacco use causes 8 million deaths annually worldwide; more than 1.2 million of these deaths result from secondhand smoking and 65,000 occur among children. The toxins and other carcinogenic substances in tobacco products spread into the air from burning cigarettes, creating a poisonous environment for those near the smoker. For this reason, the situation of those not using tobacco but exposed to it is also of great importance. It is known that children exposed to cigarette smoke have a higher risk of respiratory system problems including asthma, bronchitis, common cold, middle ear problems, and reduced lung function. This is why smoke-free air spaces are critical. In 2008, only 5% of the world's population was covered by smoke-free air space regulations, but today more than a quarter of the world's population is included in this practice. Over the past 15 years, the number of countries covered by smoke-free air space measures increased from 10 in 2007 to 74 in 2022." [caption id="attachment_159564" align="aligncenter"] Prof. Dr. Mücahit Öztürk[/caption]

Youth at risk

Drawing attention to the danger posed by newly developed tobacco and nicotine products in the world, Prof. Dr. Mücahit Öztürk, Chairman of Türkiye Yeşilay Cemiyeti, stated: "Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), known as electronic cigarettes, entered the market in 2008-2009. In 2019, a new disposable ENDS called Puff Bar was introduced in the United States and in 2020 in Switzerland. Today, various disposable ENDS brands are being commercialized worldwide and the number of these disposable ENDS products is steadily increasing. The World Health Organization's 2021 Global Tobacco Epidemic Report was published with the theme 'Addressing New and Emerging Tobacco Products.' According to the report, a total of 111 countries regulated ENDS in some way. Of these countries, 32 banned ENDS sales and the other 79 countries adopted one or more legal measures to regulate ENDS. In 84 countries, there is still no prohibition or regulation addressing ENDS."

Prof. Dr. Mücahit Öztürk continued his remarks as follows:

"Electronic cigarette use among children and adolescents increases the likelihood of using conventional cigarettes and other tobacco products. Electronic cigarette use among children and adolescents under 20 years old is concerning not only due to the harmful effects of nicotine alone in this age group; but also because electronic cigarette use can lead to future use of other tobacco products and tobacco dependence."

All of society must work together to prevent it

"Tobacco use is a critical issue for public health and increases the general disease risk and burden of society. In the fight against tobacco use, in addition to individual efforts, cooperation between state policies and civil society organizations is of great importance. By working together, we can build a healthier future," said Öztürk, noting that 9 February World No Tobacco Day is an important opportunity for those wishing to quit smoking.

Prof. Dr. Mücahit Öztürk concluded his remarks as follows:

"We are here to support everyone wishing to overcome addiction. At our Yeşilay Counseling Centers, we provide free counseling services and stand by our clients at every step of the smoking cessation process. Through the 'You Can Quit' mobile application launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey, we provide support to those wishing to overcome tobacco dependence. Since its establishment, our Yeşilay Counseling Centers, which have received more than 1 million calls, serve as guides for our clients in their struggle against addiction. In surveys we conduct with clients who have attended at least 3 face-to-face sessions, we measure client satisfaction rate at 91%. In such a demanding field as addiction; this high satisfaction rate is quite promising. Through the 'You Can Quit' mobile application launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey, we provide support to those wishing to overcome tobacco dependence."