WHO Calls for Tougher Laws on Smoking

WHO Calls for Tougher Laws on Smoking

MANILA, 31 May 2011 – The World Health Organization (WHO) today called on governments to pass and enforce national laws that will prevent premature deaths from tobacco–related diseases.

WHO said the tobacco epidemic kills nearly 6 million people worldwide each year, mostly from heart disease, stroke, cancer and emphysema. Tobacco–related deaths account for 63% of deaths from noncommunicable diseases in the world today. Passive or second-hand exposure to tobacco causes an estimated 600 000 deaths a year globally.

Dr Shin Young–soo, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, said: "In our Region, it is estimated that close to half of all men smoke and half of all women and children are regularly exposed to the deadly toxins of second–hand smoke at home and in public places. This means that about 900 million people are regularly exposed and at high risk for tobacco–related disease. This has a significant impact not only on health but also on the economy of countries."

ENDS