A Call to Protect Our Youth

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide.

- DR. TARACHAND GUPTA

Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide. Despite widespread awareness of its harmful effects, millions continue to consume tobacco in various forms, such as smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco and snuff.

HEALTH RISKS OF TOBACCO

The primary health hazard of tobacco comes from the thousands of harmful chemicals released when tobacco is burned or consumed. These chemicals include nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and many carcinogens that damage nearly every organ in the body.

Smoking tobacco is strongly linked to respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

It is also the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 85% of cases worldwide. Beyond the lungs, tobacco use increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervix.

Cardiovascular diseases are another major consequence of tobacco use. Smoking damages blood vessels, raises blood pressure, and increases the likelihood of heart attacks and strokes. It also negatively affects the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections.

EFFECTS ON OTHERS