Protecting Youth: The Health and Environmental Impact of Tobacco and Industry Interference

Tobacco: A Public Health and Environmental Threat
Tobacco use kills over 8 million people annually, including 1.2 million from second-hand smoke exposure. Vulnerable groups like children suffer immensely, with 65,000 child deaths each year from second-hand smoke.
Youth: A Key Target of the Tobacco Industry
The tobacco industry heavily targets youth, knowing they are key to maintaining profits. Globally, 37 million adolescents use tobacco, with 8.6% of Indian students (aged 13-15) already consuming tobacco products. The earlier people start, the harder it is to quit, leading to lifelong addiction.

Tobacco’s Environmental Impact
Tobacco is not just a health hazard—it’s an environmental disaster. 600 million trees are cut down yearly for tobacco cultivation, contributing to deforestation and climate change. Toxic chemicals from tobacco farming pollute soil and water, while trillions of cigarette butts, the world’s most littered item, leach harmful chemicals into the environment.

World No Tobacco Day 2024 Theme: Protecting Children from Industry Interference
This year’s theme focuses on protecting children from the tobacco industry's deceptive tactics. Through social media and OTT platforms, tobacco is glamorized to appeal to youth, creating a false image of independence and rebellion. With weak regulations online, the industry continues to reach and influence young minds.

Surrogate Advertising and E-Cigarettes
Despite restrictions under COTPA, the industry uses surrogate advertising to bypass advertising bans, often promoting accessories linked to tobacco. The rise of e-cigarettes has posed new risks, with young users more likely to transition to smoking. These products contain nicotine, making them highly addictive and harmful.

Regulation and Education: Key to Protecting Youth
While COTPA has led to progress, stricter enforcement is needed, especially in online media where youth exposure is high. Education on the dangers of tobacco must be widespread in schools, coupled with tighter regulations for e-cigarettes and surrogate advertising.

Tobacco Sponsorship: An Indirect Influence
Tobacco companies sponsor youth events, sports, and concerts, subtly linking their products to positive experiences. This strategy builds long-term brand loyalty, further embedding tobacco into the lives of young people.Conclusion: Toward a Tobacco-Free Future
Tobacco devastates both health and the environment. This year’s theme emphasizes the need to protect future generations from its harmful influence. By combining education, regulation, and holding the tobacco industry accountable, we can work toward a world free from the grip of tobacco.

1. World N Tobacco Day 2024 31st May Dr. Swapnil Singh Junior Resident Department of Community & Family Medicine

2. 1.2 Million deaths annually (Second-hand smoke) 37 Million Young people aged 13-15 years use Tobacco 65,000 children die (Second-hand smoke) 8 Million Deaths Worldwide 1.35 Million deaths, 267 Million adult Tobacco users (INDIA) 8.5% students current Tobacco users (INDIA) 2

3. To make space for Tobacco cultivation, millions of Trees are cut down Chemicals used to grow Tobacco, Poison the Land, Soil & Water Production of Tobacco releases Toxins into the Air A Product, that is Destroying Our Planet 3

4. Theme: "Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference" 4

5. Vulnerability of Youth Need for Protection 5

6. Visual Cues 6

7. Surrogate Advertisements 7

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10. The Pervasiveness of Digital Marketing Display advertising is prominent on websites Search ads appear on search engines Native ads are designed to not look like commercial content and appear on sites like online news Influencer product endorsements are offered through social media platforms In-app advertising is featured in many applications Products are placed in online content, sometimes directed at children Online retail is increasingly integrated with digital marketing 10

11. Protecting Youth: Restricting Digital Marketing to Children & Vulnerable Populations Comprehensive Strategies for Regulating Digital Marketing in Tobacco Control Influencer Accountability : Restricting Influencer Marketing & User Engagement Ensuring Compliance: Monitoring Digital Marketing Practices Maintaining Standards: Enforcing Digital Marketing Regulations - Develop effective age verification mechanisms -Define vulnerable populations - Ban targeting of vulnerable populations - Prohibit advertisers from using influencers -Artificial intelligence tools - Granting legal standing for digital marketing rule violation 11

12. The Programme in India Aims of COTPA Create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption 2. Reduce the production and supply of tobacco products 3. Ensure effective implementation of the provisions under COTPA 4. Help the people quit tobacco use 5. Facilitate implementation of strategies for prevention & control of tobacco advocated by WHO FCTC 12

13. Packaging and Labelling Warnings covering 85% of the package area Pictorial warnings are mandatory 3. Role of Enforcement Authorities Monitoring Tobacco Control Laws and Reporting Survey & Surveillance 2. Penalties for Violations Fines for smoking in public places Sale of tobacco products to & by minors (<18 years) is prohibited & punishable offence Sale within 100 yards of Educational Institutions is prohibited & punishable offence Implementation and Enforcement of COTPA 13

14. swapnil 14

15. Thank You! References : 1. World Health Organization. World No Tobacco Day 2024. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-no-tobacco-day/2024 2. National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP). Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Government of India. https://ntcp.mohfw.gov.in/cigarettes_and_other_tobacco_products 3. Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2019 India fact sheet. https://ntcp.mohfw.gov.in/assets/document/National_Fact_Sheet_of_fourth_round_of_Global_Youth_Tobacco_Survey_GYTS-4 4. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240077249 5. https://www.who.int/teams/noncommunicable-diseases/surveillance/systems-tools/global-adult-tobacco-survey 15