On October 4, in observance of World Animal Protection Day, Doç. Dr. Mustafa Aydın emphasized that smoking negatively affects all living beings in the ecosystem. He pointed out that the Turkey Fight Against Tobacco Association (TSSD) was established to effectively combat smoking and that the effects of smoking are serious not only on humans but on all living beings in the ecosystem.

“Smoking disrupts the balance of nature and harms it”

Noting that approximately 1.5 billion people smoke worldwide, Doç. Dr. Aydın stated that this leads to passive smoking among many non-smokers in the animal kingdom. “Cigarette smoke contains many toxins such as arsenic, cyanide, hydrogen, nicotine, and ammonia, which pollute the air, exposing both humans and animals to these poisons,” he explained. He also highlighted that cigarette butts are a major environmental issue, as consuming them can cause serious health problems in animals.

“There is a risk of lung cancer in birds and nasal cancer in dogs”

Aydın remarked that our planet is a shared home for all living beings, asserting that the right to life is sacred not only for humans but also for animals and all creatures. He stressed the importance of protecting animals from the harmful effects of smoking, emphasizing that even the smoke from a cigarette lit in the presence of our furry friends can have irreversible effects on their health. “Even a carelessly lit cigarette can harm their health. For example, it can trigger lung cancer in birds and cause eye infections in many animals. In dogs, it increases the likelihood of various cancers, particularly nasal cancer,” he stated.

“Civil society organizations must lead the formation of social awareness”

Doç. Dr. Aydın asserted that protecting our furry companions from the harmful effects of smoking is a human duty that requires collective effort. “As the Turkey Fight Against Tobacco Association, we have been fighting for years to minimize smoking in our society and ideally eliminate it entirely. Our struggle is not just for individuals but for the entire natural environment. Reducing the harm that smoking causes to humans, animals, and nature is crucial for creating a cleaner and more livable world. For this, social awareness must be raised, and civil society organizations should play a leading role in this process,” Aydın concluded, stating, “As the Turkey Fight Against Tobacco Association, we are ready to fulfill our responsibilities in this regard.”

Source: www.iha.com.tr
Date: October 4, 2022