On Monday, the 29th, National Anti-Smoking Day is celebrated, and this year, the Center for Studies on Tobacco and Health (Cetab/Ensp/Fiocruz) launched a campaign about how the industry interferes in the fight against the smuggling of tobacco products. The campaign warns that cigarette smuggling is a problem that generates enormous losses for the economy and public health of the country.
According to pulmonologist Jessica Polese, young people and adolescents are the primary target of the cigarette industry's sales strategies. “Today we witness an increase in this demographic consuming electronic cigarettes, which seem harmless but are not,” she points out.
“The electronic cigarette contains preservatives, fine particles, traces of heavy metals, and even carcinogenic substances,” reports Jessica.
“The tobacco industry always finds ways to continue selling its product, and there are various attractions created for cigarette consumption, such as the use of appealing flavors, design, promotions, and sponsorships, etc.,” she explains.
After the pandemic, there was an increase in cigarette consumption due to anxiety, and we must always alert about the harms that tobacco and nicotine cause, especially after a significant portion of the population contracted Covid. “Smoking is a very high-risk factor for those who contracted Covid, with a high possibility of respiratory complications and sequelae due to long Covid,” explains the pulmonologist.
Tobacco is responsible for various chronic diseases, respiratory issues, and lung cancer. “It causes overweight and obesity, which are risk factors for 13 types of cancer,” warns the doctor. The advice is: Quit smoking!
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