Tobacco use high in Assam: Survey

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: As the country gears up to observe 'World No Tobacco Day (WNTD)' tomorrow, data of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2017 paints a grim picture in the context of Assam.

There is a high prevalence of 48.2% (62.9% male and 32.9% female) tobacco users in Assam, followed by Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur respectively. Of these, 50.5% of men and 32.5% of women and 41.7% of all adults currently used smokeless tobacco in Assam. As per the survey, 12% of students (13-15 years) in the State had already used some forms of tobacco products. Besides, 15.0% of all adults in the State had been exposed to second-hand smoke at any public places, while 6.7% of students had been exposed to second-hand smoke at home. The survey also noted that 50% of all cancers and 90% of oral cancers are caused by tobacco. It may be mentioned that the theme for this year's World No Tobacco Day is 'Tobacco: Threat to Environment'. The campaign is aimed to raise awareness among the public on the environmental impact of tobacco – from cultivation, production, distribution and waste.

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