Turkey's Smoking Crisis: Urgent Action Needed to Protect Public Health
According to a report by a Turkish news website, the number of smokers in Turkey has exceeded 15 million, as per the 2018-2033 Tobacco Control Plan.
In Turkey, at least one out of every four individuals aged 15 and above is a smoker, according to recent data. Based on this proportion, it is estimated that nearly 20 million people regularly smoke in the country.
Turkey has emerged as the country with the highest daily per capita cigarette consumption worldwide, with individuals averaging 17.1 cigarettes per day. Following closely behind are Greece with 15.7 cigarettes, Israel with 15.5, and both Japan and Austria with 15.4 cigarettes per person.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged immediate action to regulate the use of e-cigarettes in order to minimize harm to public health. Experts have warned that the increased use of e-cigarettes, justified by their lower harm, carries at least the same level of chemical harm as traditional cigarette smoke. They recommend that smokers be encouraged to quit with determination, without resorting to other methods.
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