Provincial Health Director Dr. Sarıkaya: ‘Toxins from cigarette smoke cause damage to many organs in the body’

On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, Dr. Hüseyin Sarıkaya, the Provincial Health Director of Çankırı, stated, ‘Toxins from cigarette smoke cause damage to many organs in the body.’ Dr. Hüseyin Sarıkaya, the Provincial Health Director of Çankırı, made statements within the framework of ‘World No Tobacco Day.’ Dr. Sarıkaya emphasized that toxins from cigarette smoke cause damage to many organs in the body, stating that smoking is responsible for 40% of all cancer-related deaths and 21% of cardiovascular disease-related deaths. Dr. Sarıkaya highlighted the importance of smoke-free environments, stating, ‘Tobacco use is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Toxins from cigarette smoke cause damage to many organs in the body. Smoking is responsible for 40% of all cancer-related deaths and 21% of cardiovascular disease-related deaths. It is now discussed globally that smoking not only harms smokers but also poses risks through secondhand and thirdhand smoke. Secondhand smoke exposure, also known as passive smoking, accounts for nearly 10% of deaths associated with smoking. Cigarette smoke and harmful toxins absorbed by carpets, curtains, and furniture particularly expose the elderly and children to higher doses of toxins for longer periods. For all these reasons, 100% smoke-free environments are crucial. Significant policies have been developed in our country, and important steps have been taken for smoke-free indoor areas. In recent years, it has been noted that smoking rates are increasing again. The perception of harmlessness has led to the shift from smoked cigarettes to hookahs, filtered cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and other tobacco products. Initiatives to prevent young people and women from starting smoking should be considered crucial in this fight.’ Sarıkaya pointed out that individuals consuming tobacco products face lifelong health problems, adding, ‘Tobacco use contributes to impoverishment by diverting household expenditures from basic needs like food and shelter towards tobacco. Globally, 8 million people die each year due to tobacco product use. Using tobacco products during pregnancy leads to various health problems for babies throughout their lives. In short, tobacco products, through passive exposure, pose fatal risks even for non-users.’