In this news of Anadolu Agency's (AA) file titled "One Breath, A Thousand Poisons", the prevalence of tobacco use in Türkiye, its effects on public health and the results of the Green Crescent public survey on tobacco control were discussed.
Prof., who is also a member of the Green Crescent Scientific Board. Dr. İlhan evaluated the results of the public survey conducted by Green Crescent on tobacco control policies and the measures that can be taken to prevent tobacco use.
Stating that tobacco use is among the most important public health problems, İlhan stated that the Green Crescent research revealed important results.
İlhan said that more than 90 percent of the society wants children and public spaces to be protected from tobacco by law, and nearly 85 percent want sales restrictions based on generation, reduced visibility at sales points and sold in closed cabinets.
Pointing out that the social demand for tobacco control is higher than ever, İlhan said, "According to TÜİK data, 1 in every 3 adults in Türkiye currently uses tobacco products and 100 thousand people die every year due to tobacco use and related reasons. Almost one in every 5 deaths is caused by passive smoking. Considering the economic cost of the issue and the environmental problems created by the tobacco industry and butt pollution, society's awareness of tobacco products and their harms is high and it is time to say 'stop'." It shows that you believe." made his assessment.
"Curiosity and enthusiasm are the two most important factors to start using tobacco."
Prof. Dr. İlhan stated that for a healthy generation and future, children and young people should be protected from the harms of tobacco products today, and that the digital age verification system, preventing the open sale of encouraging products and reducing passive exposure are among the measures that can be quickly implemented.
İlhan stated that preventing the sale of tobacco products to those born after 2015 through age restrictions is one of the control methods that find response in society, and emphasized that tobacco products should not be promoted and their use should not be encouraged in all media environments, especially social media.
Underlining that curiosity and emulation are the two most important factors in starting to use tobacco, İlhan said, "Curiosity and emulation are the two most important factors for starting tobacco use, and the ones that are at least as effective are the use of tobacco in the family and close friends. Today, different studies have shown that the average age of 16 in our country is the most common age for starting tobacco use." he said.
Stating that reducing the visibility at sales points is important in restricting access, İlhan pointed out that not displaying tobacco products in a similar way to daily necessities such as water, vegetables and fruits will prevent them from being perceived as an ordinary product, and that reducing the visibility will also protect people who have stopped using tobacco and prevent sudden impulsive purchases.
"Passive smokers have the same health risks as smokers."
Drawing attention to the effects of passive smoking on health, İlhan continued as follows:
"It is a known fact today that passive smokers have the same health risks as smokers. The number of lung cancer cases in society among people who do not use tobacco products themselves, who do not have genetic risk factors, who do not work, who do not have occupational exposure, who are young but smoke with their spouses, mothers, fathers, work environment and social environment, is so high that a complete passive exposure fight is required. Chronic lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, as well as negative effects up to the loss of the baby during pregnancy, increased infections and asthma in babies and children. poses serious health risks.”
Stating that electronic cigarettes, puffs and heated tobacco products are not a way to quit tobacco or reduce their use, İlhan said that these products have serious effects on the heart and respiratory system and contain toxic and carcinogenic substances.
İlhan pointed out that heated tobacco products release nicotine without burning the tobacco with the electronic heating system and ensure the continuation of addiction, and said, "They contain propylene glycol, glycerol, ethylene alcohol, polyethylene glycol, diacetyl, diethylene glycol, amino-tadalafil, rimonabant, cannabinoid, nitrosamines, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, ketone, mercury, tetramethylpyrazine, lead, nickel, chromium, "There are a wide variety of chemicals, including nicotine and artificial flavors." gave the information.
"Intense exposure that starts early causes serious health problems in the future."
Stating that young people can turn to products such as electronic cigarettes and puffs with the desire to look different and attract attention, İlhan noted the following regarding the negative effects of these products on the heart and respiratory system:
"In addition to all the risks that tobacco products carry, these products have additional negative effects on the heart and respiratory system. Moreover, with the false perception that they are smoke-free, they use them in closed environments at school, in vehicles, at home and at work, and their exposure is high. In addition, early intense exposure causes long and severe health problems in the future. Today, those who start using tobacco at an early age and continue to use it face many diseases before they reach their 40s."
Prof. Dr. İlhan stated that the protection of children and young people should be given priority in new regulations, and that making access to tobacco products more difficult and redefining public space are among the most needed steps.
