Flavored tobacco products luring youth to addiction, death - WHO | Africanews
Flavored Tobacco Products Luring Youth into Addiction and Death – World Health Organization WarnsIn a recent statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO), concern has been raised about the growing prevalence of flavored tobacco products among youth, which are increasingly being used as a hook to hook young people into addictive behaviors that can lead to serious health consequences. The statement emphasizes how these products, often marketed with flavors like menthol, bubble gum, and cotton candy, mask the harshness of traditional tobacco and nicotine products, making them more appealing to underage users.
According to the WHO, flavored tobacco products have become a significant challenge in efforts to reduce烟草 use among young people globally. These products are designed to mimic the taste of糖果、candy、gum, and other recreational substances, creating an image of something enjoyable rather than something harmful. However, despite their ostensibly appealing flavors, these products still contain addictive nicotine and other toxic substances that can have severe health effects.
The statement highlights how flavored tobacco products are not only linked to young people’s addiction to烟草 but also to serious lung diseases such as lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular illnesses. The Organization warns that the use of flavored tobacco is making traditional tobacco and other nicotine products seem less harmful, thereby creating a public health crisis.
“Flavored tobacco products are a major barrier in efforts to reduce young people’s access to tobacco and other addictive substances,” said Dr. Tedros Adewale, the Director-General of the WHO. “They serve as a modern ‘hook’ that is designed to hook young people into dangerous behaviors that can lead to early deaths and long-term health complications.”
The WHO also points out that flavored tobacco products are being increasingly used by underage users as a way to quit smoking or other traditional tobacco use, with many young people unaware of the risks involved. The Organization warns that this trend is not only restricting the availability of plain tobacco products but also making it harder for young people to break their dependency on these substances.
In response to the growing problem posed by flavored tobacco products, the World Health Organization has called for a multi-faceted approach to address this issue. This includes stricter regulations on flavored tobacco advertising and production, particularly in countries where flavored products are being used as a recruitment tool for young people. The Organization also emphasizes the importance of raising awareness among young people about the risks associated with flavored tobacco use.
The statement further notes that flavored tobacco products have been linked to an increase in flavored gum and candy sales, which may be contributing to the rise in flavored tobacco consumption. This trend is particularly concerning as it suggests a convergence between recreational糖果 consumption and harmful tobacco use.
“Flavored tobacco products are not just a health hazard; they are also a social hazard,” said Dr. Adewale. “They are being used by young people to mimic the enjoyment of糖果, which can lead them down a dangerous path that will have long-lasting consequences for their health.”
In conclusion, the World Health Organization urges governments and international health organizations to take immediate action to address the growing problem of flavored tobacco products. By working together to eliminate these products from markets in a responsible manner, it is hoped that young people will be encouraged to quit harmful behaviors altogether and embrace healthier alternatives.
This issue is not only a challenge for individual communities but also one that requires global cooperation to achieve meaningful progress. The time has come to take action before it is too late.
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