There are more than 5,300 chemicals in cigarette smoke.

The following information was included in the statement, noting that, as in the whole world, in our country May 31 is celebrated as the “World No Tobacco Day” with various targeted activities:

“The activities conducted by our provincial health directorates, non-governmental organizations and stakeholder agencies in all our provinces draw attention to the harmful effects of tobacco products and encourage those who want to quit.
Several diseases occur in the airways and lungs due to the negative effects of cigarette smoke on the protective mechanisms of the airways due to both the heat and the high amount of chemicals in it. Among these diseases; lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, asthma, various infections and even allergic diseases. Studies have shown that these diseases are more common in smokers.

The global tobacco epidemic ranks first among preventable causes of illness and death, causing the deaths of more than 7 million people in the world each year. There are more than 5300 chemicals in cigarette smoke. To date, more than 70 of these chemicals have been identified as carcinogenic. According to the studies, it was found that 1.8 million people were diagnosed with lung cancer and 1.6 million people died each year due to the disease.

Given all these risks, the success achieved in the fight against tobacco will go a long way towards raising healthy generations free from addiction. However, many chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and associated health and life losses will be prevented. In addition, the reduction in health expenditures and the loss of labor for these chronic diseases will also contribute to the country’s economy.

For these reasons, tobacco control efforts in our country are being made with great determination in collaboration with the political will, government, local governments, non-governmental organizations and the media. The political will consistently and courageously supports efforts to combat tobacco. In fact, our esteemed President himself is the leader and advocate of this struggle. This political determination at the highest level naturally entails the continuity of successful works.

Environmental hygiene on World No Tobacco Day

Studies show that climate change and drought are among the most important problems in the world. Large amounts of pesticides, fertilizers and chemicals used in tobacco farming; It significantly reduces the productivity of agricultural lands by causing hazardous pollutants to be released into water and soil. May 31, 2023 World No Tobacco Day; In addition to the negative effects of tobacco production on fertile agricultural lands, it wants to draw attention to the effect of the amount of water consumed on drought. It is the duty of every individual to fight this problem individually to leave a more livable world for future generations. More than 32,000 square meters of land is used for tobacco farming around the world. These agricultural lands use more than 22 billion tons of water. This figure shows that someone who smokes 1 pack of cigarettes a day for 50 years will be responsible for 1.4 million liters of water loss in their lifetime. In this context, it is important to also carry out activities at the provincial level aimed at increasing society’s awareness of the disadvantages of tobacco use.

Prevention of passive exposure

One of the studies carried out in our country in the field of tobacco control is the prevention of passive exposure of the whole society, especially children and young people, to tobacco smoke.
“Passive exposure,” which is defined as exposure to cigarette smoke, is defined as intense exposure to cigarette smoke, even if the person is not a smoker. Active smoking and passive exposure (passive exposure) carry proven risks. second-hand smoke; It causes leukemia, lymphoma, tumors of the central nervous system and liver cancer. Studies have shown that passive exposure also increases the risk of lung cancer.

To prevent passive exposure of our citizens to tobacco smoke and to protect their right to breathe clean air, this is carried out 24/7 by inspection teams with approximately 1500 inspection teams across the country for places where the use of tobacco products is prohibited in under Act No. 4207. In addition to routine inspections, inspections are also conducted for reports received through the Alo 184 Ministry of Health Communication Center Tobacco Report Line and the Green Detector mobile application. Since July 19, 2009, when the law took effect with all provisions of the law, our inspection teams have conducted 22,852,971 inspections nationwide. During these inspections, an administrative fine of 313,008,491 TL was imposed on companies and individuals who violated the provisions of the law.

In addition to the protection and prevention activities carried out, users of tobacco products are encouraged to quit and support is provided to those who want to quit through the ALO 171 Stopping Smoking Reporting Center and the smoking cessation outpatient clinics. The ALO 171 Quit Smoking Hotline, which went live on October 27, 2010, offers live support from smoking cessation experts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with an average of 4-5 thousand calls answered daily. In addition, people who want to get support through the website can access many services from the alo171.saglik.gov.tr ​​website. You can create a quit smoking calendar on the site, calculate the burden of smoking on the budget, and perform stability and addiction tests. The site has been visited by 3,851,606 people from the date it was launched to April 30, 2019.

In addition, the website havanikoru.saglik.gov.tr ​​​​​​serves to inform society about the harms of tobacco products and to share the studies conducted with the public. The site has been visited by 1,675,622 people from its launch date to April 30, 2019.

As of 2019, a total of 501 smoking cessation outpatient clinics have provided services to 2,492,750 people by 720 physicians since the day of opening. Drugs used in smoking cessation treatments, which are not reimbursed in our country, are provided free of charge in outpatient clinics to patients who deem it appropriate by doctors.

Our main goals are to raise society’s awareness, protect public health and raise healthy generations free from addictions. Efforts to combat tobacco for a “Completely smoke-free Turkey” continue with determination and reinforcement.

On May 31, World No Smoking Day, you too can take a step and get rid of your cigarette addiction. If you want to quit smoking but don’t think you can, remember that there are many institutions where you can get support during this process. All addictions are a disease and can be cured.”