President of the Turkish Anti-Smoking Association, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, Made a Statement on February 9, World No Smoking Day
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın stated, “Every year, 20,000 passive smokers in Turkey lose their lives despite not smoking. There is no difference between dying by suicide and dying from smoking. Smoking is destroying future generations. The risk of a child developing cancer due to a smoking father is 20%.”
Since 1987, February 9 has been recognized as World No Smoking Day by the World Health Organization (WHO). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın, President of the Turkish Anti-Smoking Association (TSSD), made statements on the subject, emphasizing the harms of smoking.
“The Risk of a Child Developing Cancer Due to a Smoking Father is 20%”
Stating that there are 20,000 passive smokers in Turkey, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aydın said: “Every year, 20,000 people in Turkey die from the effects of smoking, even though they do not smoke themselves. There is no difference between dying by suicide and dying from smoking. Smoking is destroying future generations. The risk of a child developing cancer due to a smoking father is 20%. The toxins in cigarettes destroy the p50 gene, which protects the human body against cancer. This gene is genetically passed from father to child. When a father who smokes loses this p50 gene, the child is born without it. Even though the child does not smoke, they can develop cancer at the age of 25.”
“35% of Babies Are Born with Disabilities”
Highlighting that 35% of babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy are born with disabilities, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aydın said: “In Turkey, around 26 million liras are spent on cigarettes. This money could be used to meet other social needs. Smoking makes you dependent for life. It is easy to start smoking, but quitting is not as easy. A strong will is necessary. Before starting, people need to see the real face of smoking.”
“50% of Forest Fires Are Caused by Cigarettes”
Emphasizing that smoking harms not only humans but also the environment, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın said:
“About 50% of forest and urban fires in Turkey are caused by smoking. Last year, nearly half of the fires in Istanbul were caused by cigarette butts. Turkey is becoming a desert. We must recognize the damage cigarettes cause to the world.”
“Smoking is an Infectious Disease”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aydın noted that in the 21st century, invading a country does not require sending soldiers, stating: “If you make a country’s people dependent on smoking, you weaken that country economically, socially, and health-wise. Smoking destroys all organs of the body. Do not think, ‘I only smoke three a day, nothing will happen.’ Poison is poison, no matter the amount. Cigarettes contain nearly 3,000 toxic chemicals. Cigarette manufacturers add different flavors to keep their economic power. People do not easily start smoking after the age of 20. The critical age range is between 13 and 20. Young people start smoking due to peer influence. We must protect our youth because smoking spreads like an infectious disease through peer pressure. Community leaders should never smoke in front of children and young people.”
“It Can Cause Permanent Damage”
Stating that all legal cigarettes in the market are controlled by the Public Health Institute, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aydın concluded his remarks as follows: “The nicotine levels of officially monitored cigarettes are known. However, illegally imported cigarettes are not subject to health inspections. If excessive taxes are imposed, people will turn to unregulated cigarettes. Since their nicotine levels cannot be measured, they pose a serious health risk and lead to significant tax losses. The cigarette industry controls an economy worth around 300 billion dollars annually. While there are cartels promoting smoking, there are also illegal smoking cessation centers. Electronic cigarettes and harmful smoking cessation methods exist. Do not fall for any center that is not licensed by the Ministry of Health. These dangerous methods cause even more permanent damage and increase addiction. Let’s not pollute our air. We should not allow anyone to contaminate the air we breathe.”
Source: www.dha.com.tr
Date: 09.02.2022