“Fifteen years have passed since the ban on the consumption of tobacco and tobacco products in indoor spaces in Turkey.”
Tobacco and Tobacco Products Continue to Negatively Impact Public Health
The consumption of tobacco and tobacco products continues to have a negative impact on public health. Many civil society organizations are contributing to the policies being implemented in this area and efforts towards smoke-free airspace.
Representatives of civil society organizations that supported the law prohibiting the consumption of cigarettes and tobacco products in enclosed spaces, which came into effect in 2009, noted that this law has significantly reduced the rate of exposure to cigarette smoke, particularly in restaurants, cafes, workplaces, and public transportation.
In this regard, the Turkish Association for the Fight Against Tobacco has been a leading organization that has been actively combating the harmful effects of smoking for many years.
The Association’s President, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, stated to an AA reporter that significant changes and impacts have been observed since the implementation of the ban in Turkey.
Emphasizing that indoor air quality has significantly improved with the ban, Aydın noted that this has protected individuals exposed to cigarette smoke and reduced the harms of passive smoking.
Aydın also pointed out that there has been a significant decrease in health expenditures, stating, “This ban has also affected the general smoking habits of society. The social acceptance of smoking has decreased, and social pressure on smokers has increased. This has led to a decline in smoking rates, which is a positive development for public health.”
Aydın emphasized that the enforceability of the ban and the supervision processes are also important issues, stating, “As a result, the implementation of the smoking ban has achieved significant gains for both environmental and public health, but to sustain these gains, we must continue to work and maintain strict supervision.”
Pointing out that the ban has particularly effective impacts on young people, Aydın expressed that this situation has reduced the rates of initiation and development of smoking habits among the youth.
“Approximately 28-30% of the population aged 15 and over regularly smokes”
Aydın explained that the smoking rates and tobacco use statistics in Turkey have changed over time:
“According to the data from the Turkish Statistical Institute and the Ministry of Health for 2023, approximately 28-30% of the population aged 15 and over regularly smokes. This rate is higher among men and slightly lower among women. The smoking rate among men is significantly higher than that of women, with about 40-50% of men smoking, while this rate is around 15-20% for women. Smoking rates are higher among young adults and middle-aged individuals, while they decrease in the elderly population. Smoking is more prevalent among individuals aged 25-44. Education level and socioeconomic status are also factors that influence smoking rates, with higher smoking rates found among individuals with lower education levels and economic status.”
Aydın noted that various campaigns and regulations are being carried out to reduce smoking rates in the country, including smoking cessation programs, taxation of tobacco products, and public awareness campaigns.
He also highlighted that the rates of smoking-related deaths and illnesses in Turkey are quite high:
“According to data published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey, approximately 100,000 people die each year due to smoking-related diseases in our country. This means an average of 300 deaths per day due to smoking. Approximately 30% of the adult population in Turkey uses tobacco. Smoking causes many types of cancer, especially lung cancer. Ninety percent of lung cancer deaths are related to smoking. Smoking is one of the main causes of chronic diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cardiovascular diseases. Approximately 80% of deaths from COPD are related to smoking. The use of tobacco among the youth in Turkey is also a serious health issue. The age of trying cigarettes is very low among young people, and the smoking rate in this age group is increasing. These statistics demonstrate the negative effects of smoking on health in Turkey and how important this issue is for public health.”
“July 19 is a milestone”
Aydın emphasized the importance of including hookah in the law, stating, “The use of hookah has become a common habit, especially among young people, and poses serious health risks. Since hookah smoking is done with a shared mouthpiece by many people during a session, the risk of spreading infectious diseases is very high. Additionally, hookah smoke contains harmful chemicals similar to those in cigarette smoke, increasing the risk of passive smoking. Therefore, the banning or restriction of hookah has resulted in positive health outcomes. As a result, the ban on hookah use in enclosed spaces has led to positive results for the health of young people.”
Aydın stated that July 19 is a turning point in the fight against smoking, adding:
“On the anniversary of the ban on the consumption of tobacco products, we would like to remind once again that an important step has been taken in our country to protect health. July 19 is a milestone. This ban symbolizes a process that began with the prohibition of smoking in enclosed spaces and gradually expanded. Given the harm that smoking causes to public health, it is clear how significant this step is, but the effective implementation and supervision of the laws are crucial to maintaining the health gains achieved. The fight against smoking in society is supported not only by bans but also through awareness, education, and support services. Therefore, we also have significant responsibilities.”
Aydın stated that the Turkish Association for the Fight Against Tobacco will continue its efforts to raise awareness about the harms of smoking and educate the public about healthy living, saying, “We will continue to work for a healthy and clean environment, focusing on protecting future generations from the harms of tobacco and other tobacco products. On this occasion, we encourage all our citizens to support healthy living and stay away from smoking on the anniversary of the tobacco consumption ban. Health is more important than anything else; we will continue to work together for a healthier future.”
Decrease in Smoking Rates Relative to Population
Aydın mentioned that although there was no significant numerical change in the number of smokers between 2008 and 2023, taking into account population growth, there has been a significant decrease in smoking rates.
He emphasized that the number of smokers remained at 14 million in both 2008 and 2023, noting that the country’s population, which was 71 million in 2008, reached 85 million in 2023 with an increase of 14 million. Aydın pointed out that despite the growing population, there has been no increase in the number of smokers.
He also added that in Turkey, an average of 14 million 840 thousand banderole cigarettes are sold daily, totaling over 5 billion 400 million annually.