World No Tobacco Day is celebrated every year on the 31st of May to spread awareness about the harmful and addictive effects of tobacco use, and encourage people to reduce the consumption of tobacco.
The theme for 2024, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference” aims to increase awareness among the youth about the addictive nature of tobacco.
Nicotine, an ingredient of tobacco is the key reason for its addictive nature as it stimulates the release of adrenaline which indirectly results in a release of the hormone dopamine, popularly known as the happy hormone.
Tobacco is mainly consumed in the form of smoked products like cigarettes, cigars, bidis, and kreteks, however, other forms include chewing and smelling products. Smoked products are the most dangerous to consume because burnt tobacco leaf produces a component called tar. Tar is carcinogenic and it reduces the functionality of lungs overtime whereas nicotine constricts the blood vessels resulting in numerous health problems like:
Hardening of the artery walls
Heart attack
Stroke
Lung cancer
Chronic bronchitis
Emphysema
Some of the major strategies used by tobacco companies for attracting youth are as follows:
Use of flavors that attract the youth such as cherry, bubble gum, and cotton candy.
Sleek and attractive designs.
Following celebrities and influencers.
Indirect marketing in movies, TV shows, music videos, etc.
Vendors displaying tobacco products near venues frequented by young people such as sweets.
Easy access due to reduced costs by selling single stick cigarettes.
India’s measures to reduce the problem.
Hike in tobacco taxes in 2020. 6/7 % price increases for regular brands and a 4/5 % increase for premium brands.
Displaying new statutory warnings on cigarette packages.
Sale of tobacco banned within a 100m radius of educational institutions.
