Every year on May 31, the world observes World No Tobacco Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the risks of tobacco use and promoting quitting.
This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products,” highlights the tobacco industry’s deceptive practices to make their products appealing, particularly to young people.
### The Tobacco Epidemic
Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, accounting for around 8 million deaths annually. The Eastern Mediterranean Region faces alarming smoking rates, particularly among adolescents, with approximately 37 million children aged 13 to 15 using tobacco worldwide. In this region, smoking rates among adolescent boys have reached as high as 43%, with countries like Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt leading the statistics.
### Industry Tactics
The tobacco industry uses various tactics to make their products appealing, including:
– *Adding Flavors*: Flavors like menthol, bubble gum, and cotton candy mask the harshness of tobacco and nicotine products, making them more attractive to young people.
– *Glamorous Designs*: Sleek designs and bright, attractive colors are used to market these products, including through social media channels.
– *Deceptive Designs*: Products are designed to mimic sweets, toys, and even cartoon characters, making them appealing to children and adolescents.
### Health Risks
Tobacco use poses significant health risks, including:
– *Cancer*: Tobacco use is a leading cause of various types of cancer, including lung, mouth, and throat cancer.
– *Heart Disease*: Smoking damages the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
– *Reproductive Health Issues*: Tobacco use can lead to fertility complications, cervical cancer, and osteoporosis in women.
### Call to Action
The World Health Organization (WHO) urges governments to take bold action to combat the tobacco epidemic. This includes[:
– *Banning Flavored Tobacco Products*: Prohibiting flavors and additives that make tobacco products more appealing.
– *Restricting Advertising*: Implementing comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
– *Increasing Taxes*: Raising taxes on tobacco products to reduce demand.
– *Graphic Health Warnings*: Enforcing graphic health warnings on packaging to educate consumers about the risks.
### Raising Awareness
World No Tobacco Day aims to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of creating a tobacco-free future. By participating in the campaign and spreading awareness, communities can make a significant impact on public health and well-being.
