World No Tobacco Day is held annually on 31st May, serving as a platform for raising awareness about the devastating effects of tobacco consumption. The World Health Organization (WHO) Member States established this day in 1987 as an effort to draw international attention to the ongoing tobacco epidemic and the preventable deaths and diseases it engenders. Today, the annual event continues to highlight the environmental and health impact of tobacco use, with a special focus this year on the theme “Protect the Environment”.
Origins and Importance of World No Tobacco Day
The inception of World No Tobacco Day came about in 1988, following the passage of Resolution WHA 42.19 which called for its annual celebration. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2022 is “Protect the Environment”, underscoring the detrimental effects of the tobacco industry on the environment. This industry not only strains our planet’s limited resources but also poses a significant threat to our fragile ecosystems.
Every year, WHO recognises and rewards governments, organisations, and individuals who have significantly contributed to controlling tobacco use. For 2022, WHO has chosen Jharkhand for the World No Tobacco Day Award.
Health Implications of Tobacco Use
Tobacco addiction reigns as the primary cause of avoidable death and disability worldwide, claiming millions of lives annually due to associated diseases. In India alone, nearly 1.35 million deaths occur every year, making it the second-largest consumer and producer of tobacco. Globally, around 80 million people die because of tobacco use, with a staggering 13.5 lakh of them being Indian.
Additionally, smoking can lead to fatal conditions such as cancer, heart attacks, brain strokes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and peripheral vascular diseases. Female smokers are particularly at risk, with increased chances of adverse pregnancy outcomes, specific cancers like breast and cervix cancer, and elevated cardiovascular risks.
Environmental Impact of Tobacco
Tobacco production and consumption also give rise to severe environmental issues, including greenhouse gas emissions, soil and water contamination, and deforestation. Every year, the tobacco industry is responsible for more than 84 megatons of greenhouse gas emissions. It also leads to soil and water contamination due to the toxins and microplastics found in cigarette butts and single-use non-biodegradable pouches. Furthermore, over 60 million trees are cut down annually for cigarette production, contributing significantly to deforestation.
India’s Battle with Tobacco
Data from The Global Adult Tobacco Survey (2010) indicates a decline in male smokers in 29 States and two Union Territories i.e Chandigarh and Pondicherry. However, there has been an escalating trend of female smoking during 2005-09. This alarming surge can be attributed to several factors, including increased spending power among women and the weakening of cultural constraints due to globalisation.
Initiatives to Curb Tobacco Consumption
Several initiatives have been launched to curb tobacco use, including the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), adopted by the World Health Assembly in 2003. The FCTC introduces various measures to combat tobacco use, such as price and tax increases, large graphic warnings on tobacco packages, implementing 100% smoke-free public spaces, banning tobacco marketing, supporting smokers who want to quit, and preventing interference from the tobacco industry.
To enforce these measures, WHO introduced MPOWER, a package of technical measures and resources aligned with the provisions of the WHO FCTC. Alongside this, the Indian government launched the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) in 2007 to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption and reduce its production and supply.
Future Directions
The fight against tobacco usage is far from over. It requires concerted efforts encompassing high taxation on tobacco products, stricter laws against public smoking, a ban on direct and indirect advertising forms, active support for those striving to quit, penalising tobacco companies for the environmental damages they cause, encouraging tobacco farmers to transition to sustainable and alternative crops, health education from a school level, and promoting early cancer diagnosis among smokers.