Tobacco will kill more than eight million people worldwide every year by 2030 if current trends continue, with the World Health Organization estimating this Thursday that 80% of deaths will occur in poor countries.
In a report published this Thursday, the World Health Organization (WHO) defines tobacco use as “a global epidemic ravaging entire countries and regions,” with most of the damage being done in the most vulnerable countries.
“Tobacco use continues to be the leading global cause of preventable death. It kills nearly six million people every year due to cancer, heart disease, respiratory diseases, childhood illnesses and others,” the document states. They also point to billions of dollars of losses worldwide each year due to consumption reasons.
In the report, published ahead of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, WHO and STOP, the global tobacco industry watchdog, highlight how the tobacco and nicotine industries develop products, launch marketing campaigns and work to shape the policy environment. promotes consumption.
“A blow to the next generation: how the tobacco industry is capturing young consumers” is the title of the work presented today at a press conference by WHO experts.
Among other things, the work developed looked at tobacco use among millions of adolescents aged 13 to 15 years, as well as the level of e-cigarette use compared to adults in several countries.
Tactics to attract younger consumers include launching products in a huge variety of flavors and advertising that experts say is not intended for adults.
WHO is pressing governments to take measures to curb consumption, such as raising tobacco prices, as the tobacco industry continues to produce products and chooses to pay fines.
WHO member states established World No Tobacco Day in 1987 to raise awareness of the “tobacco epidemic” and the deaths and illnesses it causes.
“Tobacco use could kill up to a billion people over the course of the 21st century unless urgent action is taken,” experts warn in the report.
Tobacco addiction is created through carefully calculated formulas of “more than a thousand chemicals and other ingredients,” experts say, warning that tobacco kills up to half of regular users.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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