Tobacco Crisis: Tobacco consumption has become a worldwide epidemic, claiming more than 8 million lives annually. This staggering figure includes 1.3 million individuals who succumb to the effects of secondhand smoke, despite never consuming tobacco themselves.
Understanding Tobacco’s Prevalence and Harmful Effects Tobacco use, in any form, whether through cigarettes, cigars, or bidis, is detrimental to health. Cigarette smoking, in particular, is the most prevalent form of tobacco consumption globally. Approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide indulge in tobacco use, with around 80% of these individuals residing in five low and middle-income countries, including India.
The dangers of tobacco are not limited to oral cancer alone. It is also a significant contributor to heart attacks, lung deterioration, and diabetes among various other serious health conditions. In India, nearly 270 million people engage in some form of tobacco use, leading to 1.35 million deaths each year.
In terms of frequency, this translates to one death every 24 seconds, five deaths every two minutes, 154 deaths every hour, and 3,699 deaths daily in India due to tobacco consumption.
The Economic Toll of Tobacco in India According to a study by the World Health Organization (WHO), India faces a loss exceeding 1% of its GDP annually due to diseases and premature deaths caused by tobacco. This cost significantly outweighs the government’s revenue from tobacco, with much of the funds being redirected towards medical treatments and awareness campaigns.
The study highlighted that between 2017 and 2018, tobacco-related illnesses and deaths cost the Indian economy $27.5 billion (approximately 1.77 lakh crore rupees). This means for every 100 rupees earned in tax, the economy suffers an 816-rupee loss due to tobacco.
The economic burden of tobacco is predominantly due to smoking, accounting for 74% of the total cost, while chewing tobacco contributes to 26%. Men bear 91% of this economic burden, with women accounting for the remaining 9%.
As per Dr. Roderico H. Ofrin, WHO Representative in India, health care expenses related to tobacco use surged by 21% from 2011 to 2018. This increase implies a significant financial strain on the government’s health budget. However, stringent tobacco control measures can save millions of lives and mitigate tobacco’s adverse effects on society and the economy.
Legislation Against Tobacco Consumption in India The Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) of 2003 prohibits smoking in public places, with violators facing fines up to 200 rupees. Establishments like hotels, restaurants, cinemas, and shopping malls are mandated to display ‘No Smoking’ signs measuring 60 x 30 cm.
Tobacco companies are barred from advertising their products in any form. Cigarette and tobacco packets must carry health warnings. Shopkeepers are required to display a 60*45 cm board stating ‘Tobacco causes cancer’. Violations can result in fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 rupees or imprisonment for 5 to 10 years.
The sale of tobacco products to minors under the age of 18 is prohibited, and selling tobacco within 100 meters of schools and colleges is punishable by law.
The Changing Trends in Tobacco Use Among Women and Men
The decline in tobacco consumption is not limited to a single demographic. For instance, in 2000, 16% of women over the age of 15 used tobacco in some form. By 2020, this percentage had halved to 8%. Men also showed a similar trend, with a reduction from 49% in 2000 to 37% in 2020.
Understanding the Grip of Tobacco Addiction
Despite the evident health risks, approximately 1.3 billion people worldwide are entangled in the addictive web of tobacco. The question arises, why do individuals continue to consume tobacco despite being aware of its harmful effects? The answer lies in the complex nature of tobacco addiction, which ensnares individuals physically, mentally, socially, and economically.
Nicotine, a highly addictive chemical found in tobacco, plays a crucial role in this addiction. It increases dopamine levels in the brain, leading to temporary feelings of pleasure. This fleeting joy is what repeatedly draws individuals back to tobacco use.
Over time, the body becomes dependent on nicotine. Without it, symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, and restlessness emerge. This dependence is the trap that keeps people enslaved to tobacco.
The Lure of Tobacco Among Youth
Various factors push individuals, especially the youth, towards tobacco. Life’s challenges, stress, and failures often lead people to seek solace in tobacco use. Among young people, smoking is sometimes seen as a symbol of being ‘cool’, but this is a dangerous illusion. Tobacco neither solves problems nor alleviates mental anguish.
Moreover, societal influences play a significant role in tobacco consumption. The portrayal of smoking in movies, advertising by tobacco companies, and the prevalence of smoking in social settings collectively create an environment where tobacco use seems normalized.
Social pressure is a major factor that traps young people in the cycle of tobacco addiction. They often start using tobacco in an attempt to fit in with their peers, without fully understanding the consequences.
The Multifaceted Cost of Tobacco Consumption
Tobacco use not only poses a health risk but also brings a financial burden. The cost of cigarettes, bidis, and other tobacco products gradually depletes the user’s finances. This is particularly detrimental for low-income families, adding to their financial struggles. Moreover, the cost of treating tobacco-related illnesses places an additional financial burden on families.
There are three types of expenses associated with tobacco use: medical expenses (doctor’s fees, tests, medication, hospital charges), the loss of income due to illness, and the economic impact of premature death.
