A Long Walk With the Tobacco Users of Mumbai
March 27, 2024 by filtermag.org
A Long Walk With the Tobacco Users of Mumbai
Rizwan, a former tobacco user turned vape seller in Mumbai, shares his journey of quitting tobacco after his mother's death from cancer. Despite the ban on vapes in India, Rizwan advocates for harm reduction. Exploring the city's diverse tobacco habits, he highlights the challenges faced in promoting safer alternatives. In impoverished areas like Dharavi, tobacco harm reduction is a luxury due to limited access to basic needs. Rizwan's advocacy stems from personal experiences and witnessing the devastating effects of tobacco. Despite obstacles, he seeks to raise awareness and provide alternatives in a tobacco-dependent society shaped by government restrictions.
7.10% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 72.7 million current smokers in India 12.80% of men are current smokers but only 1.10% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR