Smoking in India
In India, the prevalence of smoking among adults aged 15 years and older was estimated to be 7.1% in 2022, reflecting a decrease from 8.1% in 2020. Smoking prevalence among males was significantly higher at 12.8% in 2022, compared to 1.1% among females. This gender disparity has been consistent, as in 2020, the prevalence among males was 14.4% and 1.40% among females. The absolute number of smokers in 2022 was approximately 72,735,681 individuals, showing a decline from 80,481,112 in 2020. For reference, the adult daily smoking prevalence in 2017 was 8.6%, with a prevalence of 15.2% among males and 1.7% among females. Smoking-related mortality remains a significant health concern in India, with 1,048,266 deaths recorded in 2021. This accounts for 8.92% of all deaths in the country. Of these deaths, 233,679 were recorded among female, representing 4.59% of all female deaths, while 814,587 were male, accounting for 12.23% of all male deaths. These data underscore the ongoing public health challenges posed by tobacco smoking in India, highlighting the necessity for effective public health measures to reduce smoking prevalence and its associated mortalities.
Read articles from India
March 18, 2025 by mediaindia.eu
Despite ban, e-cigarettes readily available in India
E-cigarettes remain readily available in India despite a ban, fueling concerns among doctors about their popularity with the youth. The ongoing issue highlights enforcement challenges as illicit sales persist online and offline, exposing regulatory gaps. Despite health risks, including addiction and serious illnesses, e-cigarette consumption remains widespread, especially among young people. Factors driving their appeal include attractive flavors, peer pressure, and lack of awareness about the ban. Poor enforcement has led to a thriving illegal market, with sales continuing through various clandestine channels. Increased public awareness and stricter monitoring are necessary to curb the growing illicit trade of e-cigarettes in India.
March 12, 2025 by thesouthfirst.com
Nicotine replacement therapy: A path to quitting or just another crutch?
Experts discuss the effectiveness of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in aiding smoking cessation. NRT helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, increasing success rates. However, prolonged reliance on NRT can hinder quitting smoking altogether. Alternative methods like cold turkey and Champix are mentioned. While temporary aid with NRT can be beneficial, the ultimate goal is complete nicotine cessation. Using NRT during pregnancy is discouraged. Substituting cigarettes with candies is not advised due to the addictive nature of sugar. Quitting smoking requires willpower, understanding health risks, and support. Compared to alcohol withdrawal, cigarette withdrawal is less severe. Successful quitting depends on motivation, support, and awareness of risks.
January 17, 2025 by thestatesman.com
Reasoned approach to vaping needed
While vaping offers a safer alternative to smoking with fewer health risks, it faces disproportionate restrictions compared to products like fast food, alcohol, and cigarettes. These discrepancies reveal biases influenced by politics and vested interests, hindering harm reduction efforts in public health. Advocates argue for fair regulation that ensures product safety without impeding consumer choice. By acknowledging vaping as a tool for harm reduction and promoting informed decision-making, policymakers can create a balanced approach that respects individual autonomy and fosters a healthier society.
January 10, 2025 by hindustantimes.com
Rajasthan high court expresses concern over online e-cigarette sale
The Rajasthan High Court has raised serious concerns regarding the online sale of e-cigarettes, describing the enforcement mechanisms as inadequate despite existing laws prohibiting their sale. A bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice Uma Shanker Vyas issued directives for authorities to file an affidavit outlining the steps taken to address the issue. While hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), the court noted the significant challenge posed by the online availability of e-cigarettes and highlighted the lack of tangible results from enforcement efforts. The central government informed the court that implementing the ban is the responsibility of state governments and that instructions had been issued to them accordingly.
December 04, 2024 by firstpost.com
Why tobacco, cigarettes, aerated drinks are likely to become costlier in India
The Group of Ministers proposed raising the tax on aerated drinks, cigarettes, and tobacco to 35% from the current 28% under the GST. The decision aims at revising tax rates for 148 items, impacting prices while aiming to increase revenue. Recommendations will be reviewed by the GST Council, impacting companies like ITC and Varun Beverages. The GoM also suggested changes for ready-made garments, luxury items, and health insurance premiums, aligning tax rates with product prices. Prior recommendations in October included lowering tax rates for packaged drinking water and bicycles, while raising them for expensive shoes and watches. The GST Council will discuss these proposals on December 21.
November 21, 2024 by indiatimes.com
Busting Myths: Does Nicotine Cause Cancer?
Nicotine is often misunderstood as a carcinogen, but the US FDA clarifies that it's the harmful chemicals in tobacco products that cause health issues, not nicotine itself. UK's NHS also states that nicotine, though addictive, is relatively harmless. Nicotine is found not only in tobacco but also in other plants. Tobacco-related cancer is due to toxins from cigarette smoke. Safer alternatives like nicotine gums aim to reduce exposure to harmful substances. Experts support Nicotine Replacement Therapy to quit smoking. The global cancer burden is expected to rise significantly by 2050. Promoting these alternatives can be crucial in tobacco control policies for public health improvement.
August 23, 2024 by inquirer.net
Division in Public Health Policy Halts Smoking Rate Decline in Some Countries
A widening divide among public health policymakers is preventing millions of smokers from switching to less harmful alternatives, according to tobacco harm reduction (THR) advocates. Dr. Marewa Glover, a leading public health researcher from New Zealand, said a “culture war” between prohibitionist groups and THR advocates who promote less harmful options is hindering progress in public health efforts to combat smoking.
July 31, 2024 by organiser.org
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Health and child rights experts raised concern over the promotion of e-cigarettes and vapes as a safe alternative to smoking and healthier alternatives to traditional tobacco products. They warned that these products are also being used as a gateway to traditional tobacco use. They cautioned that this misleading narrative is a strategic attempt by the industry to target and trap the young population, particularly those aged 10 to 19 years.
July 29, 2024 by indiatimes.com
Narrative claiming vapes, e-cigarettes healthier alternatives are misleading: Experts
Health experts caution against the misleading promotion of e-cigarettes and vapes as safe alternatives to traditional tobacco, warning of their addictive nature, especially among young people. India's ban on these products has potentially saved 24 million youth from addiction. The tobacco industry's tactics targeting youth with false health claims are condemned. Strict regulations are seen as crucial to protecting the population. The WHO supports India's ban on e-cigarettes, emphasizing the importance of countering industry tactics and prioritizing public health over revenue concerns.
June 05, 2024 by who.int
The tobacco industry is targeting the youth
Tobacco industry targets youth with harmful products and marketing tactics, leading to premature deaths. WHO highlights industry's strategies on World No Tobacco Day to attract new users, with 37 million youth worldwide already addicted. India's youth tobacco survey reveals alarming statistics. The industry promotes addictive products, posing severe health risks. WHO urges protective policies to combat industry interference and protect children. Governments, organizations, and individuals must unite to eliminate tobacco's dangers and addiction threats. India has banned e-cigarettes, taking steps to reduce tobacco harm. Supporting WHO's campaign can help raise awareness and shield the youth from tobacco industry deceit.
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