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Global Tobacco Crisis
Tobacco is the single most preventable cause of death in the world
This year, tobacco will kill more than six million people - more than tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.
Tobacco use is a risk factor for six of the eight leading causes of death in the world.
The epidemic is devastating - but preventable. We can stop the tobacco epidemic and move towards a tobacco-free world - but we must act now.
Chemicals Contained in Cigarettes
More than 4,000 chemicals have been identified in tobacco smoke. It's not surprising that tobacco smoke is so dangerous to both smokers and non-smokers exposed.
A Growing Epidemic
Tobacco use is growing fastest in low-income countries, due to steady population growth, coupled with tobacco industry targeting, ensuring that millions of people become fatally addicted each year. More than 80% of the world's tobacco-related deaths will be in low- and middle-income countries by 2030.
Trends in the WHO European Region
The rise in tobacco use among younger females in high-population countries is one of the most ominous potential developments of the epidemic's growth. In fact, the prevalence of women and girl smokers in the WHO European Region is the highest among females in the world.
Throughout most of Europe, the difference between rates of tobacco use by males and females is decreasing. Tobacco use rates are decreasing among European men while they are increasing among women, particularly in the eastern and central parts of the region. In most European Union countries, teenage girls are as likely to smoke as boys, and sometimes even more likely.
The tobacco industry aggressively markets to them to tap this potential new market. Product design and marketing are explicitly crafted to encourage women and girls to smoke. Here are some examples of cigarette packaging tailored to females:
Other helpful material
© 2012 Created by WHO/Europe.
