What Will Become Humanity's Greatest Killer?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco ranks second among the leading causes of mortality worldwide today. Tobacco use causes over 8 million deaths per year, and more than 1 million additional deaths result from exposure to secondhand smoke. Meanwhile, cancer kills 9.6 million people annually worldwide.

If these numbers continue to rise at the same rate, soon (by 2030, as predicted), tobacco—and a range of smoking-related diseases—will become humanity's deadliest killer, claiming 10 million lives annually.

The tobacco epidemic is one of the most significant public health threats ever faced by the world. The World Health Organization states that tobacco smoking kills up to half of its users. Currently, there are over 1 billion smokers worldwide, meaning at least 500 million people will eventually die from tobacco.

One study showed that smoking men and women lose, on average, about 13.2 and 14.5 years of their lives, respectively. Another study estimates a reduction in life expectancy from smoking at 6.8 years. Each smoked cigarette shortens life by an average of 11 minutes. Smokers are three times more likely to die before the ages of 60 and 70 than non-smokers.

According to the World Health Organization:

“Approximately 1 person dies from tobacco every 6 seconds.”

“In the 20th century, tobacco caused 100 million deaths. If current trends continue, up to 1 billion deaths will occur due to tobacco in the 21st century.”

“If action is not taken, by 2030, tobacco-related deaths will exceed 10 million per year. Over 80% of these deaths will occur in low- and middle-income countries.”

Developing countries will be the most affected. 48% of smokers live in low- and middle-income countries, where the number of smokers has been steadily rising since the 1970s.

In contrast, the number of male smokers in the US dropped from 55% in the 1950s to 28% in the 1990s. In the Middle East, where half of adult men smoke, tobacco consumption increased by 24% between 1990 and 1997.

The economic consequences of smoking in third-world countries are no less devastating than its health impacts. In Niger, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, for example, impoverished families spend one-third more on tobacco than on food.

According to WHO, tobacco use exacerbates poverty. It is difficult for a smoker to cut spending on tobacco because tobacco is highly addictive.

Before the 1940s, science did not associate diseases with smoking, and in the United Kingdom, the link between tobacco and cancer was officially recognized by the government only in 1964—following a report by the Royal College of Physicians. It took another seven years before health warnings first appeared on cigarette packages.

Despite 30 years of steadily accumulating evidence, one in four adult UK residents (13 million people) continues to smoke regularly (although 70% of them actively try to quit).

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. In the United States, approximately 500,000 deaths per year are attributed to smoking-related illnesses, and a recent study showed that up to one-third of China's male population will significantly shorten their lifespan due to smoking.

Secondhand Tobacco Smoke

According to WHO, more than 1.2 million deaths annually occur among non-smokers exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke.

About half of the world's children regularly breathe air contaminated with tobacco smoke in public places.

WHO states that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke:

• In adults, secondhand tobacco smoke causes serious diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, including ischemic heart disease and lung cancer.
• In infants, tobacco smoke increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.
• In pregnant women, it leads to pregnancy complications and low birth weight.
• Secondhand smoke causes over 1.2 million premature deaths annually.
• Each year, 65,000 children die from diseases caused by exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke.

World No Tobacco Day

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) was established in 1987 by the World Health Organization and is celebrated annually on May 31. On this day, anti-tobacco campaigns take place around the globe. The campaign aims to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco and its negative health impacts.

The events organized as part of World No Tobacco Day also aim to reduce the morbidity and mortality caused by tobacco use.

World No Tobacco Day is part of the UN's system of global and international observances.

In the US, the "Great American Smokeout" is celebrated on the third Thursday of November. It was established by the American Cancer Society in 1977.

WHO encourages groups worldwide—from local clubs to city councils and national governments—to organize annual events to help communities celebrate World No Tobacco Day in their own way at the local level. Past events have included letter writing campaigns to government officials and local newspapers, marches, public debates, local and national advertising campaigns, gatherings of anti-tobacco activists, educational programs, and public art.

Additionally, many governments use WNTD as the date to introduce new smoking bans and anti-tobacco measures. For example, on May 31, 2008, a section of Ontario's Smoke-Free Ontario Act (Canada) banning tobacco billboards and store displays came into effect. On May 31, 2010, all hospitals and government institutions in Australia banned smoking.

This day has also been used as a springboard to discuss the country's current and future stance on tobacco, such as in India, which, with 275 million smokers, has one of the world's highest tobacco consumption levels. The Indian government also opened a smoking cessation hotline to help curb the widespread addiction in the country.

Interesting Fact

In 2004, the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan not only officially banned smoking in public places but also became the first country in the world to completely ban the sale of tobacco products.

Global Fight Against Smoking

Various countries have implemented national legislation to restrict the sale and consumption of tobacco products.

In Russia

According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), in Russia:

• men — 60.2%
• women — 21.7%

A total of approximately 44 million adults smoke, accounting for nearly 40% of the country's population. Almost half of Russians aged 18 to 44 are smokers. 7.3 million people started smoking before the age of 18.

Russia exhibits high smoking intensity. The average number of cigarettes smoked per day:

• men — 18
• women — 13

About 80% of Russia's population is exposed to secondhand smoke:

• 35% — at work
• 90% — in bars
• 78% — in restaurants

Since June 1, 2013, the Federal Law "On the Protection of Public Health from the Effects of Tobacco Consumption" has been in effect. According to data published by the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in early March 2015, the number of smokers in Russia decreased by 17% since the anti-smoking legislation was implemented in 2013.

In Ukraine

Approximately 11.5 million people smoke in Ukraine, including 9.1 million men and 2.5 million women. In percentage terms, this is 60% and 11.2%, respectively. About a third of the population aged 18 to 25 are regular smokers.

The advertisement of tobacco products is prohibited. Smoking rooms in the Verkhovna Rada are closed. Smoking tobacco products in public places is completely banned.

Smoking in prohibited areas threatens the violator with a warning or a fine ranging from three to ten non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens, amounting to 51 to 170 UAH (2 to 13 USD as of 2021). A repeat violation fine ranges from ten to twenty non-taxable minimums, amounting to 170 to 340 UAH (6 to 13 USD as of 2021).

In Belarus

In the Republic of Belarus, the advertisement of tobacco products is prohibited in the media, on posters, and billboards. Cigarettes cannot be sold in cafeterias and children's cafes, educational institutions, sports facilities, or to individuals under 18 years old (in questionable cases, the seller must request age verification documents). Smoking in public places is banned.

More than 20% of the country's 15-year-old citizens smoke.

The fine for smoking in prohibited places ranges from 4 to 30 base values (47 to 354 USD as of 2021).

Fight Against Smoking in Other Countries

• Australia: Since 2012, all cigarette packs have been standardized, and company branding is prohibited. Packs feature dark brown colors with images of smoking consequences and the manufacturer's name in small print.
• Finland: Tobacco products cannot be displayed on shop windows; smoking in cars with minors is prohibited. A law was passed allowing smoking only outdoors. Cigarette vending machines have been dismantled.
• Belgium: A law banning smoking in public places was signed. The fine for violations is 480 USD.
• United Kingdom: Smoking is banned in all cafes, restaurants, clubs, offices, and organizations. The fine for violations can reach 2,500 GBP (approximately 3,400 USD).
• Hungary: Smoking in prohibited areas incurs a fine of 125 USD, and violations of sales rules may result in fines up to 420 USD.
• Germany: A health insurance amendment allows non-smokers to pay 40% lower medical insurance premiums, as they cost the system less. In Germany, smoking breaks are allowed, but non-smokers receive additional vacation time for opting out.
• Italy: Fines for smoking in public places range from 250 to 2,000 EUR.
• Canada: Smoking is prohibited in all state institutions, at work, in airports, and at train stations. Ashtrays have been removed from bars and restaurants. Tobacco companies cannot sponsor sports events.
• Poland: Smoking is prohibited in public places, and cigarette vending machines have been removed from streets.
• United States: Smoking is banned in enclosed public places and service vehicles. The fine for violations is 1,000 USD.
• Turkey: Tobacco advertising is banned, smoking is prohibited in enclosed spaces (except designated areas) and public transport.
• Sweden: Students must not smoke to receive a scholarship.
• Bhutan: The only country where smoking is banned nationwide.
• Japan: Companies pay bonuses to non-smoking employees.