Experts have long spouted that tobacco is dangerous to the environment as cast-off cigarettes signify the first source of plastic pollution in the world. Tobacco cultivation requires a huge volume of water along with pesticides which damage the ecosystem and decrease climate resilience.

Statistics indicate that tobacco companies contribute 84 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide which is equal to greenhouse gases. WNTD is that time when agencies such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) attack the tobacco epidemic which is said to be a contributor to roughly eight million deaths annually and kills half of its users.

The Day was first recognised in 1987 by the World Health Assembly, thereafter it was celebrated in 1988 which coincided with the 40th anniversary of WHO. The organisation continues to be an advocate by drawing attention to things people can do to safeguard future generations and allow everyone a chance to claim, “the right to health” The “right to health” is a human right of Article XII (12) of the 1966 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

Each year, WNTD is utilised as a platform to address specific topics related to the tobacco industry. Tobacco is a plant that is grown mainly for its leaves which are dried and fermented before being injected into tobacco production.

It contains the highly addictive substance, nicotine which is released and absorbed into a person’s blood after use. Nicotine instantly rouses the adrenal glands and produces the hormone epinephrine. Epinephrine then stimulates the central nervous system, increases blood pressure levels, breathing, and heart rates.

Dried tobacco leaves are the main component in cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco. Other substances are added for flavour to make smoking more enjoyable. The smoke from tobacco contains many chemicals including hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, arsenic, ammonia, and benzene.

The smoke emanating from tobacco also contains cancer-causing compounds known as carcinogens. Those harmful substances come from the burnt tobacco leaves themselves. They cause heart disease, lung disease, and other serious health-related problems. In addition, tobacco use affects oral health as smoking also increases one’s risk of mouth cancers. Other oral health issues attributed to tobacco use are: gum or periodontal disease, teeth discolouration along with bad breath or halitosis. Studies have also shown that there are chemicals in tobacco smoke such as acetaldehyde that heighten nicotine’s effects on the brain as well.

The danger of cigarette smoking is written in each carton yet the industry remains a big business that is always thriving, why? Are humans addicted to their own death? Don’t we desire good health? The Antigua and Barbuda Tobacco Free Initiative Committee is fighting to assist the process through legislation.

The ABTFI is an inter departmental group chaired by a Focal Point. This group has been responsible for planning and conducting anti-tobacco initiatives since it was established in 2000.