The Devastating Impact of Tobacco in India
Introduction
Tobacco remains one of the greatest public health threats in India, causing severe damage not only to individual health but also to the nation’s economy and social fabric. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India 2016-17, approximately 267 million adults—or 29% of the adult population—use tobacco in some form. This widespread usage has far-reaching consequences that go beyond addiction, affecting nearly every aspect of life.
How Does Tobacco Impact your Health?
Tobacco use has profound and far-reaching impacts on various aspects of your life, affecting your physical health, financial well-being, and social relationships. Here’s how tobacco can significantly alter your life:
1. Respiratory System
- Lung Cancer: Smoking tobacco is the primary contributor to the onset of lung cancer.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD): One in five tobacco smokers will develop chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime.
- Other lung infections: Tobacco increases the risk of developing tuberculosis and other lung infections like pneumonia.
2. Cardiovascular System
- Heart diseases: Smoking increases the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes by damaging blood vessels and promoting atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries)
- Hypertension: Nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate, contributing to hypertension.
3. Cancer
In addition to lung cancer, tobacco use is known to cause ten other types of cancer because it delivers carcinogens and toxins throughout the body. These cancer types include:
- Oral cancer
- Throat cancer
- Oesophagus cancer
- Pancreas cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Ovarian cancer
4. Reproductive Health
- Pregnancy complications: Smoking while pregnant raises the chances of miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, and having a baby with low birth weight.
- Fertility Issues: Tobacco use can reduce fertility in both men and women, affecting reproductive health and outcomes.
5. Oral Health
- Gum disease: Tobacco use increases the risk of periodontal disease, which can cause tooth loss and infections.
- Oral Cancer: Smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing cancers of the mouth and throat.
6. General Health
- Weakened immune system: Components of tobacco smoke impair the immune system, making it harder to fight infections and illness.
- Diabetes: Smokers are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes and have more complications from diabetes.
- Weakened bones: Carbon monoxide, a toxic gas found in vehicle exhaust and tobacco smoke, binds to haemoglobin more easily than oxygen, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues. This makes smokers more likely to lose bone density, fracture easily, and face complications like delayed or failed healing. [7]
Five Alarming Facts About Tobacco
- Tobacco is deadly in any form, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco.
- Smoked tobacco products contain over 7,000 chemicals, with at least 250 of these substances known to be toxic or carcinogenic.
- Exposure to second-hand smoke leads to more than 40,000 deaths in non-smoking adults and 400 deaths in infants annually.
- Tobacco use impacts almost every organ in the human body and can result in disabilities such as hearing loss and vision impairment.
- On average, lifelong tobacco smokers lose at least 10 years of life expectancy.
The Economic Burden of Tobacco Use in India
Beyond the human toll, tobacco use has devastating economic consequences. In India, the overall economic expenses associated with tobacco use among those 35 and older were INR 177,341 crore in 2017–18. This includes:
- Healthcare expenses
- Loss of productivity
- Premature deaths
These costs strain the healthcare system and rob families of income, deepening cycles of poverty.
Conclusion
Tobacco use continues to pose a serious threat to India’s health and economy, affecting millions of lives and draining valuable resources. With millions of users facing severe health risks and the country bearing enormous financial losses, it is clear that tobacco use affects not just individuals but the entire nation. Effective policies, widespread awareness, and strong support for cessation are essential to curb this epidemic. Only through collective effort can India hope to reduce the devastating impact of tobacco and move towards a healthier, tobacco-free future.
