‘Tobacco users unaware of ill-effects’

A survey conducted in the wake of “World No Tobacco Day” by doctors of hospitals including Sion, Nair, KEM and J.J. (OPD) has revealed a worrisome ignorance among tobacco users. Of the 250 people asked questions, a majority of them proved to be unaware of the ill effects of passive smoking and misconceptions around kicking the butt.

The doctors put forth myths about smoking and noted people’s responses during morning OPD hours. One of the myths was that smoking is not a drug habit and while 25 per cent agreed to it, experts confirmed that owing to nicotine content of tobacco, cigarettes were highly addictive. “The power of nicotine addiction has been compared to cocaine and heroin addiction. It does cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and nervousness,” said a doctor involved in the report. He added that carbonated drinks, coffee, and alcohol increased tobacco cravings and tobacco users were likely to suffer from nicotine poisoning.

Further, nearly 110 accepted the myth that smokers were the only ones affected by smoking even as experts said that passive smoking was as dangerous as active smoking. About 124 of the 250 people agreed that only adults smoked cigarettes while experts said that the most common age to start consumption of tobacco was adolescent years between 13 and 15. Fifty-eight people agreed that smoking could be made up for through proper nutrition and exercise. However experts asserted that a healthy diet and an exercise regimen could not reduce the health risks associated with smoking.

One hundred and twelve persons felt that once addicted to tobacco, there is no use trying to quit the habit. However, experts said that once the quitting process started, the body immediately started repairing itself.

Dr Sagar Mundada, central Mard president said, “According to a 2014 report, India ranked 136 among 198 countries listed according to the size of their health warnings. The country has slid from 123 in 2012.”