Tobacco’s Hidden Dangers: Beyond Cancer

Tobacco’s Wider Impact

Most people associate tobacco with cancer. However, health experts at KGMU reveal a more alarming story. On World No Tobacco Day eve, they shared surprising facts about tobacco and nicotine products.

Tobacco and Fertility Issues

Tobacco harms more than just your lungs. It affects nearly every organ. Prof Ved Prakash, head of pulmonary and critical care medicine, explained:

• Tobacco harms sperm.
• It reduces hormone levels.
• It weakens reproductive health.

Tobacco use can double infertility risk in men. It can also cut women’s reproductive capacity by 30%. Additionally, it can cause birth issues like low birth weight and stillbirths.

Mental Health and Other Risks

Tobacco isn’t just linked to cancer. It’s a slow poison causing many health problems:

• Heart attacks
• Strokes
• Asthma
• Anxiety
• Depression

The Risk of Modern Tobacco Products

Prof Rajendra Prasad, former head of the pulmonary department, warned about new tobacco products. He said:

“Believing e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches are safer is dangerous. These products contain high nicotine levels. They can lead to traditional tobacco use, especially among teens.”

Heightened Health Risks

Smoking tobacco increases the risk of:

• Lung and other cancers by up to 30 times
• Heart attacks by up to 6 times
• Asthma by up to 3 times

Common Tobacco Products

Dr Abhimanyu Kadapathri, a consultant at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, listed popular tobacco forms:

• Smokeless tobacco: khaini, gutkha, and pan masala
• Smoking forms: bidi, cigarette, and hookah

The Economic Cost

Experts discussed the huge economic burden of tobacco. In 2017-18, tobacco cost India nearly Rs 1.78 lakh crore in healthcare. This is about 1% of India’s GDP.

Time to Act

Prof Ved Prakash had a strong message:

“Every puff of smoke brings you closer to death. No form or amount of tobacco is safe. Stop now and choose health.”