Pakistan’s tobacco consumption: The most in South Asia!

Despite the fact that tobacco is banned in public places, Pakistan is the largest consumer of tobacco in South Asia. Reports have revealed that tobacco smoking is very common among youngsters, and is responsible for various health problems in the young generation. A cigarette consists of various chemicals, which when consumed either in high doses or at low doses, but on a regular basis, can be toxic. Examples of such chemicals include nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar along with heavy metals and several carcinogens like nitrosamines, aromatic amines and polycyclic hydrocarbons. Around 2,000 to 4,000 different noxious chemicals are released when a single cigarette is lit. The adverse effects of these chemicals include systemic cancers, peripheral vascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In developing countries like Pakistan, which have weak anti-tobacco legislation and lack of awareness among the people regarding smoking, tobacco related diseases have shown a significant increase. Tobacco use is not only capable of damaging nearly every organ of the human body but also aids at least 15 different cancers and is single-handedly responsible for 30 percent of all cancer related deaths. The number of cases of lung cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and myocardial infarction are increasing with the increasing sale of cigarettes. Moreover, lung cancer is causing malignancy among the Pakistani males where around 40 percent of males and 8 percent of females are regular smokers. Tobacco-smoking parents are believed to have played a key role in the spread of this habit among the youth. Studies have revealed that every teenager has at least one tobacco-smoking parent and such children were significantly more likely to start smoking tobacco as compared to children of non-smoking parents. According to World Health Organisation (WHO) tobacco use is currently responsible for the death of one in ten adults’ worldwide (about 5 million deaths each year). Moreover, unless circumstances changes, within 25 years the annual death toll will double; millions more will prematurely develop tobacco related illnesses that may lead to chronic disability. Taking to Pakistan Today, Heath EDO Dr Inamul Haq said, “It is alarming that a huge number of youngsters are heading towards tobacco-smoking. There is law on cigarette smoking in public places but there is a lack of implementation. The government is trying to take steps for save our generation from this menace.”