Tobacco use is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced. Tobacco and tobacco-smoke contain over 40,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and carcinogenic.. Apart from causing cancers of the respiratory system, oral cavity and digestive system, it is the etiological factor behind chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, ischemic heart disease and stroke etc. Tobacco consumption is the most important cause of multisystem diseases . In 2010 tobacco was estimated to kill 6 million people, 72% of this in low and middle income countries. Tobacco mortality is increasing rapidly in developing countries and by 2030, about 83% of the tobacco mortality will occur in these low and middle income countries.
Given the current patterns of consumption, one billion deaths due to tobacco are feared this century, mostly in developing countries. Half of these deaths will be among those in middle-age (35–69 years old), with harmful effects on national economies. In India alone by 2010 smoking was estimated to cause 930,000 adult deaths; of the dead, about 70% being between the ages of 30 and 69 years. Protecting the youths and young adults is of utmost importance as at younger age smokers have a five to six times higher death rate than non-smokers.
Given the current patterns of consumption, one billion deaths due to tobacco are feared this century, mostly in developing countries. Half of these deaths will be among those in middle-age (35–69 years old), with harmful effects on national economies. In India alone by 2010 smoking was estimated to cause 930,000 adult deaths; of the dead, about 70% being between the ages of 30 and 69 years. Protecting the youths and young adults is of utmost importance as at younger age smokers have a five to six times higher death rate than non-smokers.
