World No Tobacco Day: Over 60,000 Children Die from Secondhand Smoke

(Patria) - With the aim of raising awareness about the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners mark World No Tobacco Day every year on May 31. The focus of this year's World No Tobacco Day is on tobacco and lung health, and the campaign is expected to increase awareness of the negative impact tobacco has on lung health, from cancer to chronic respiratory diseases, and the fundamental role of the lungs for the health and well-being of all people.

"The World Health Organization warns that tobacco smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, responsible for more than two-thirds of lung cancer deaths globally. Tobacco smoking is also a leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the risk of developing this disease is particularly high in individuals who start smoking at an early age. It is especially warned that children exposed to the toxins of tobacco smoke in the womb, through maternal smoking or her exposure to secondhand smoke, often have reduced lung growth and function. Young children exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of developing and worsening asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis, and often suffer from lower respiratory tract infections," stated the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The World Health Organization cites data that globally, about 60,000 children die before the age of five from lower respiratory tract infections caused by secondhand smoke. The risks that smoking poses for the development of tuberculosis are also noted, as well as the fact that tobacco smoke pollutes the air with over 7,000 chemicals, of which 69 are known to cause cancer.
The most effective measure for improving lung health is reducing tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs reminds that knowledge among a large part of the public, especially smokers, about the implications of cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke on lung health is still low.

"Despite strong evidence of the harmfulness of tobacco to lung health, the potential for tobacco control aimed at improving lung health remains underestimated. Parents and other community members should take measures to improve their own health, and thus the health of their children, by protecting them from the harmful effects caused by tobacco," the statement adds.