Tobacco's Silent Damage: How It Destroys Health and Homes

Have we ever truly reflected on how deeply tobacco affects not just individual users, but entire families and generations? What was once used as a medicinal herb in ancient times has today become one of the most quietly destructive addictions in our society.

- BY SYED MAJID GILANI

Tobacco doesn’t just harm the body, it affects minds, weakens homes, and silently passes from one generation to the next.

The damage begins the moment nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco, enters the bloodstream. It quickly affects the brain, disturbs its natural balance, weakens nerves, harms the heart, reduces immunity, affects digestion, spoils oral health, and disturbs emotional well-being. Over time, it dulls the senses of taste and smell, and slowly drains vitality. Yet, many people wrongly believe tobacco relieves stress. In reality, it worsens problems, invites illness, and adds silent burdens to life.

Among the most ignored, yet harmful forms of this addiction are chewable tobacco products like Ghutka, Naswar, Pan-Masala, and other flavored substances. These are inexpensive, easily available, and often contain dangerous chemicals. They are directly linked to mouth cancer, dental problems, ulcers and impaired mental focus. In many cases, children, observing their elders at home, unconsciously pick up these habits without understanding the risks. The early effects, stained teeth, poor concentration, and weak memory, quietly take root, affecting their mental and emotional well-being.