Smoking is not just a bad habit, but rather a silent epidemic that creeps into the lungs of the Lebanese, especially young people, threatening their health and lives in the absence of deterrent measures.
At a time when the rates of cancer cases directly linked to smoking are rising, MP Najat Aoun Saliba warns, via “Lebanon Debate,” of the worsening crisis, and calls for activating the basic measures adopted by most countries in the world to curb this phenomenon.
Representative Saliba confirms that “studies prove that there is a direct relationship between smoking and cancerous diseases, most notably lung cancer, and research shows that smoking is one of the most prominent causes of these types of cancer and other serious diseases.”
She says: “Global statistics show that smoking causes the death of more than 7 million people annually around the world, which makes combating it a health and humanitarian priority. In Lebanon, it is noted with concern that smoking rates are among the highest in the world, especially among young people. This is a dangerous indicator given the impact of early smoking on lung health and the development of the respiratory system.”
She adds: “There are studies conducted at the American University of Beirut and other research centers, which have proven that smoking of all kinds, including hookah smoking, has a fundamental role in increasing the incidence of cancerous and chronic diseases, which requires activating public awareness and tightening control over the spread of this habit, especially among young people and adolescents.”
She explains, “There are three basic measures adopted by most countries in the world to reduce smoking. These steps have proven effective and do not require new innovation:
The first measure is to prevent smoking in both public and closed places, whether they are offices, restaurants, or any establishments that people frequent, in order to protect non-smokers from indirect exposure to smoke.
The second measure is to significantly raise taxes on various types of tobacco products, including cigarettes and hookahs, with the aim of limiting their spread and demand, especially among young groups.
The third measure is to place disgusting pictures and warnings on cigarette packs that show the real harms of smoking, with the aim of increasing awareness and deterrence. However, this step in Lebanon is still limited, as it is only partially implemented, while the World Health Organization recommends adopting it on a broader and more effective basis.
A fourth measure is in effect in a number of countries, which is prohibiting the sale or display of tobacco products near schools, or the presence of carts and shops selling smoke in their vicinity, to protect students from being influenced and accustomed to smoking from an early age.
She stresses that “these three measures are recommended by the World Health Organization, and have proven effective in many countries that have succeeded in reducing smoking rates, especially among younger groups.”
She continues: “If we want young people to live in good health and avoid risks in the future, it is necessary for them to pay attention to their health from now on. Every breath of smoke, even if it is a little, is no less dangerous than regular smoking, because nicotine and the toxic substances found in cigarettes and hookahs are present in double quantities compared to the expected quantity. In other words, every single breath may be equivalent to several cigarettes in terms of its effect on the body.” The body.”
She stresses that “it is important for young people to understand that these bad health practices do not only harm them in the short term, but can affect their future and limit their ability to be productive members of society. The opposite is true. Abstaining from smoking from the beginning enhances the ability to achieve, makes them stronger and healthier, and reduces physical and psychological damage, and thus allows them to contribute effectively to society without making sacrifices.” “To their health.”
Saliba concludes by stressing that “Lebanon is committed to taking the necessary measures to reduce tobacco use and combat smoking, and has ratified the World Health Organization’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which constitutes a clear road map for implementing practical steps to emerge from this crisis, provided that it is implemented correctly and effectively.”
