Sahil Manzoor Bhatti
Tobacco, a plant of the nightshade family, is cultivated for its dried leaves. Growing 1 to 3 metres tall, it produces broad leaves that are dried, processed, and manufactured into cigars, cigarettes, and chewing products. These products are lethal to human health and linked to severe medical and social consequences.
Tobacco use dates back to 1492, when Christopher Columbus discovered that natives of Tobago Island used dried leaves for pleasure. Since then, its consumption has spread worldwide. What was once seen as a source of pleasure has now become a global health crisis.
Cigarettes contain nearly 4,000 chemicals, of which 43 are carcinogenic. Among them are polycyclic hydrocarbons that cause cancer, ammonia that irritates cells, formaldehyde used for preservation, oxides of nitrogen that harm the respiratory system, carbon monoxide that reduces oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, nicotine that causes addiction, and tar that leads to lung cancer. Nicotine, though used in agriculture as an insecticide and in limited medical contexts, is mainly harmful. It makes people dependent, irritable, and prone to serious diseases.
Major Health Hazards
1. Heart diseases: Increases risk of atherosclerosis, peripheral artery disease, strokes, and heart attacks.
2. Lung damage: Responsible for 90% of lung cancer deaths (CDC). Raises risk of COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. Smokers are 25 times more likely to die from lung cancer.
3. Fertility issues: In women, disrupts hormones and reduces chances of pregnancy. In men, causes erectile dysfunction and poor sperm quality.
4. Weakened immunity: Makes the body more vulnerable to infections and chronic illnesses.
5. Vision problems: Increases risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, dry eyes, and diabetic retinopathy.
6. Oral and dental issues: Doubles the risk of gum disease, causing swollen gums, bleeding, loose teeth, and sensitivity. Stains teeth and reduces taste and smell.
7. Skin and hair damage: Causes premature ageing, wrinkles, and skin cancer on the lips. Leads to hair loss, balding, and unpleasant odour.
8. Cancers beyond the lungs: Raises risk of pancreatic, bladder, stomach, mouth, throat, oesophageal, kidney, cervical, liver, colon cancers, and acute myeloid leukaemia.
Passive smoking harms non-smokers, especially children, causing coughing, sneezing, and respiratory problems. It pollutes the environment, adds economic burden on families and healthcare systems, and leads to loss of dignity and poor quality of life.
Every year on May 31, World No Tobacco Day is observed globally. Schools, colleges, and public organizations conduct campaigns, seminars, and rallies to highlight the devastating effects of tobacco.
Tobacco is not just a personal choice but a public health threat. It damages the lungs, heart, reproductive systems, and causes numerous cancers. It harms both smokers and non-smokers, while polluting the environment.
As responsible citizens, we must educate the youth, reduce tobacco consumption, and actively participate in anti-tobacco campaigns to build a healthier society.
