Tobacco causes 100 thousand deaths every year in Türkiye

İlhan stated that tobacco use is among the most important public health problems and said that Green Crescent's research revealed important results.

Stating that more than 90 percent of the society wants children and public spaces to be protected from tobacco by law, İlhan stated that approximately 85 percent of them support generation-based sales restrictions, reducing visibility at sales points and selling products in closed cabinets.

Pointing out that the social demand for tobacco control is higher than ever, İlhan stated that according to TÜİK data, 1 in every 3 adults in Türkiye uses tobacco products and 100 thousand people die every year due to tobacco use and related reasons.

İlhan stated that almost one in every 5 deaths is caused by passive smoking, and that in addition to the economic cost of tobacco use, the tobacco industry and butt pollution also cause environmental problems. He noted that this table shows that society's awareness of the harms of tobacco products is high and that stronger steps should be taken against tobacco use.

Prof. Dr. Stating that children and young people should be protected from the harms of tobacco products for a healthy generation and future, İlhan said 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 methods that find a 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.

Stating that curiosity and enthusiasm are the two most important factors in starting to use tobacco, İlhan stated that the use of tobacco products in the family and close friends is also effective. He stated that the average age of starting tobacco use in Türkiye is 16.

Source: TRT Haber Sağlık RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)