Meghalaya: East Khasi Hills to celebrate ‘World No Tobacco Day’

SHILLONG: The NTCP, East Khasi Hills will observe the ‘World No Tobacco Day’ on 31st May, 2024 under the theme: ‘Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference.’ The theme specific to Meghalaya is ‘My Meghalaya, Tobacco-Free Meghalaya’.

To mark this occasion, the office of the District Medical & Health Officer, East Khasi Hills in collaboration with the Ki Synjuk Ki Hima Arliang Wah Umiam Mawphlang-Welfare Society is organizing a Marathon which will commence from Lad-Mawreng and conclude at Mawphlang.

World No Tobacco Day observed annually shines spotlight on severe health risks associated with tobacco use. This day initiated by World Health Organization (WHO) in 1988. It serves to raise awareness. Promote actions to reduce tobacco consumption globally.

One significant concern is thirdhand smoke as it contains over 250 residual chemicals, including nicotine and carcinogens such as formaldehyde and naphthalene. These harmful substances accumulate on surfaces over time. They become embedded in clothing furniture, drapes bedding and carpets posing a persistent health risk.

Over years World No Tobacco Day has inspired variety of initiatives aimed at reducing tobacco use. Schools have organized poster contests. Cities and NGOs held marches advocating for smoke-free laws, universities have hosted seminars. These seminars promote effective anti-smoking policies.

Alarmingly, the use of e-cigarettes among children surpasses that of adults in all regions. Approximately 37 million youth aged 13-15 are using tobacco worldwide. This highlights an urgent need for targeted interventions.

"Children are most vulnerable to thirdhand smoke because they tend to touch surfaces, and often their mouths, resulting in skin exposure and ingestion of these residues," Lancelot Mark Pinto, from P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mumbai, told the media.

"The only way to prevent such exposure is by completely banning indoor smoking and insisting on keeping a radius outside buildings and homes smoke-free," added Lancelot, Consultant Pulmonologist and Epidemiologist at Hinduja.

 Also Read: World No Tobacco Day: Children most vulnerable to thirdhand smoke, says health experts (sentinelassam.com)

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