Tobacco smoking is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced and over three billion smokers worldwide are not only putting themselves to risk but also non-smokers, observed city doctors on the World No Tobacco Day today.
“Children in households that permit indoor smoking are at risk of developing respiratory infections, ischaemic heart disease, lung cancer and asthma due to exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). In addition, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), youths exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home are almost two-times more likely to start smoking than those not exposed,” they said.
An estimated 40 per cent children were exposed to secondhand smoke at home and were at a greater risk of becoming smokers, said Dr Deepak Bakshi, nodal officer, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Chandigarh.
“Parental smoking, availability of tobacco products and household acceptance towards smoking are some of the additional factors that can encourage a child to take up tobacco smoking. Certain children begin smoking as early as 10 years of age in India,” he said.
Dr RS Bedi, president, IMA, Chandigarh, said most smokers who were aware of the dangers of tobacco were keen to quit.
Dr Bedi said: “When a smoker tries to quit, the level of nicotine supply in the blood is restricted, which produces typical craving and withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, increased appetite, etc.”
 Chandigarh residents smoke at a public place in Sector 34 on World NoTobacco Day on Tuesday; and (right) Policemen challan them for the offence.Tribune photos: Manoj Mahajan |
“Children in households that permit indoor smoking are at risk of developing respiratory infections, ischaemic heart disease, lung cancer and asthma due to exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). In addition, as per the World Health Organization (WHO), youths exposed to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home are almost two-times more likely to start smoking than those not exposed,” they said.
An estimated 40 per cent children were exposed to secondhand smoke at home and were at a greater risk of becoming smokers, said Dr Deepak Bakshi, nodal officer, National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP), Chandigarh.
“Parental smoking, availability of tobacco products and household acceptance towards smoking are some of the additional factors that can encourage a child to take up tobacco smoking. Certain children begin smoking as early as 10 years of age in India,” he said.
Dr RS Bedi, president, IMA, Chandigarh, said most smokers who were aware of the dangers of tobacco were keen to quit.
Dr Bedi said: “When a smoker tries to quit, the level of nicotine supply in the blood is restricted, which produces typical craving and withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, increased appetite, etc.”
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