May 31 is World No Tobacco Day. The World Health Organization takes this annual opportunity to highlight the deadliness of tobacco use in all forms and the increasingly expensive toll this harmful product takes on societies throughout the world.
This year's theme is 'Tobacco: Deadly in Any Form or Disguise.' The report by the WHO, authored by Jack Henningfield, tries to end the myth that some forms of tobacco use are 'safe.'
The report concludes that in an attempt to increase profits at the expense of the health of its users, tobacco companies have emphasized 'low tar' and 'light' or 'mild' cigarettes. This is misleading, says the WHO. All forms of tobacco are addictive and deadly, the scientists at the WHO emphasize.
'And so a lot of people are turning to other products that they think are safer,' Henningfield explained. 'And these include the water pipes, the chewing tobacco, snuff, and cigars - all kinds of products. And these are all kinds of deadly and addictive products. It's kind of like trying to deal with the fire with gasoline.'
The goal of World No Tobacco Day is to raise awareness of the deadliness of tobacco use and to educate people throughout the world so they know the truth about tobacco products: that they 'carry unnecessary risks of disease, debilitation and death. The truth about tobacco can empower people to improve their own health, as well as the health of their families, friends, and others in their community,' the WHO explains.
Tobacco use is responsible for 1 in 10 premature adult deaths according to the WHO, a total of five million people per year.
Henningfield's conclusion: 'Quit if you are using,' he said. 'Not start any product if you are not using. And that is one of the most important things to improve health in America and health around the world.'
