On World No Tobacco and No Smoking Day, a pulmonologist warns that they are as harmful as industrialized ones
Summary
According to 2019 PNS data from IBGE, straw cigarette consumption has increased in recent years among young adults, being equated with the harm caused by industrial cigarettes. Pulmonologist Fernanda Miranda highlights the importance of warning young people about the harm of smoking through educational campaigns.
Typical of the interior of Brazil, the use of straw cigarettes has increased in recent years, especially among young people. According to the latest National Health Survey (PNS), carried out in 2019 by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), there has been an increase in the consumption of cigarettes with straws among young adults aged between 18 and 24, both in urban areas (2.0% in 2013 versus 3.2% in 2019) and in rural areas (2.2% in 2013 versus 4.5% in 2019). Data that attracts attention this May 31, which is World No Tobacco Day and also World No Smoking Day.
Many think that these cigarettes are less harmful than industrialized ones, but pulmonologist Fernanda Miranda points out that this is a myth.
“Straw cigarettes are often considered less harmful than conventional cigarettes due to the absence of some chemical additives present in industrial cigarettes, but this is a wrong impression. Straw cigarettes still contain tobacco and produce smoke, which makes them harmful to health, causing the same diseases as conventional cigarettes, commonly called white cigarettes,” says the doctor.
The specialist, who works at the Órion Complex clinical center, in Goiânia, analyzes some factors that usually influence young people to consume this product, also called “paiêros” or “haystack”.
“The fad surrounding straw cigarettes and other tobacco products can be attributed to several factors, such as media influence, aggressive marketing by the tobacco industry, social pressure and even the pursuit of an image of rebellion or belonging to a specific group”, he warns. .
Assembly
Fernanda Miranda also underlines that both cigarettes with straws purchased ready-made and those assembled at the moment of consumption are harmful.
“Manually assembling cigarettes with straws on site does not lead to a significant difference in terms of health damage compared to ready-made haystacks. Both contain tobacco and produce smoke,” explains the main points harmful to health.
The pulmonologist also explains that people close to those who smoke haystacks also suffer damage.
“Passive smokers of straw cigarettes, as well as other types of cigarettes, also face health risks, as the smoke contains toxic substances that can negatively affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems,” he points out.
The doctor emphasizes the relevance of the dates on the topic. “On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day and World No Smoking Day, it is important to raise awareness among people, especially young people, about the harms of smoking through educational campaigns, information on health risks, support for quitting smoking and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. of healthy life. Also this year in August we will have the 12th edition of the Drop the Cigarette Running road race,” he concludes.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
