INCREASING MENACE OF TOBACCO CONSUMPTION IN ARAB WORLD

GCC TO CURB SMOKING THROUGH HEAVY TAXATION 

October 6, 2012


  About 40 per cent of teenagers in the GCC (Gulf Co-operation Council) countries  smoke some form of tobacco. In Saudi Arabia, nearly a quarter of children between 13 and 15 smoke regularly. Teenagers in the UAE consume tobacco at roughly the same rate. And this, despite constant warnings that tobacco use is a leading killer of adults in the Arabian Gulf.
  GCC states have, collectively and on an individual basis, tried to combat this deadly habit for years. In 1995, the countries agreed to impose a 100 per cent increase in taxes, and banned production in member states. In recent years, smoking has been banned in many places - from malls to parks to most public spaces. And still, consumption rates continue to climb.
  Gulf finance ministers meeting in Riyadh today are once again discussing a proposal to tackle this problem - by increasing the tobacco tax by 150 per cent. Experts say the step would reduce youth tobacco consumption by making tobacco too expensive for many.
   Such a dramatic tax increase will face opposition from producers. In 2001, the 6 states rejected a similar proposal on the grounds that any hike would lead to increased smuggling, a reasonable worry. Ministers then suggested alternative ways to combat smoking, such as reducing nicotine content in tobacco and producing tobacco locally. But clearly, these measures have failed. A renewed anti-smoking initiative through out the GCC - starting with a steep tax hike - is essential.
    Enforcement of anti-tobacco laws has been delayed regionally due in part to pressure from businesses and producers that worry the ban will cut into their profits. In January, Dr Mahmoud Fikri, the undersecretary for health policy at the Ministry of Health, said the law was in the final stage of approval but "there are a lot of interests" to appease.
Companies may threaten to cut ties on an individual basis, but passage of a GCC-wide measure would send a strong signal that producers and retailers could not ignore. As Dr Fikri noted, "our main concern is to have legislation in agreement with all countries".
Costlier legal tobacco products will encourage black markets to emerge. That is all but certain. But smuggling can be policed. Any solution that reduces the prevalence of smoking, and discourages children from starting, is worth consideration.

ILL EFFECTS OF TOBACCO-4

Tobacco Exposure In Teenager

Can Cause Metabolic Syndrome

Exposure to cigarette smoke raises the risk of metabolic syndrome, a disorder associated with excess belly fat which
increases the risk of heart disease, stroke & diabetes. It is the first study to establish such a link in teenagers says the
researchers. It was found that 6% of 12-19 yr olds had metabolic syndrome and the prevalence increased with exposure
to tobacco smoke. 1% of those unexposed to tobacco smoke developed the syndrome, 5% of those exposed to smoke
had the disorder & 9% of active smokers had it. In teenagers who were overweight or at risk for being over weight, the
effect of smoke was more marked, with 6% of those not exposed to smoke developed syndrome, 20% of those exposed
to second hand smoke getting it & 24% of smokers having the disorder.

PROMOTIONAL STRATEGIES-1

Smoke Cigarette & Get Rich

As fewer & fewer people smoke in Japan, the nation’s sole tobacco producer is doling out
incentives for smoking. It is offering gold bars, top-brand television sets & a movie preview for
smokers. One lucky smoker will win 5 kg gold bars worth 8 million yens as a part of “smart
smoke” drive for reduced – odour cigarettes launched by Japan Tobacco . Also up for grabs are
26 inch Liquid Crystal display (LCD) television for 100 smokers. We suspect if the smokers will
live long enough to enjoy these prizes.

TEEN SMOKING

TEEN SMOKING: 
STATISTICS 
and
PREVENTION-[America]






Teen smoking had been on a sharp decline since the mid-late 1990's, but recent data shows that the adolescent smoking rates are rising slightly.

According to a 2005 study done by the CDC, 23% of high school students reported smoking cigarettes in the last month. This is compared with a previous study of high school students that showed 21.9% in 2003. While this data is somewhat discouraging it is far better than the 1997 level of the same survey at 36.4%. The rise appears to be greatest among white and Hispanic teens while the rates of teen smoking declined among black teens.

There is no concrete evidence at this time to show why the teen smoking statistics have declined since 1997, but some believe it is in better awareness efforts. Some also feel that it is due to a decline in media glamorizing smoking.

The CDC study showed that 80% of smokers begin before the age of 18. A similar study which was published by the American Lung Association website shows 90% of smokers begin before the age of 21.

A study that was done by the CDC also found some interesting facts and estimates:
1. About 3,900 teens under 18 start smoking each day.
2. Of the 3,900 teens that start smoking each day - 1500 will become regular smokers.
3. Those who smoke often have secondary behavioral issues such as violence, drug/alcohol use, and high-risk sexual behavior.

Some of the contributing factors of teenage smoking are:
1. Low socioeconomic status
2. Use or approval of smoking by siblings/peers
3. Smoking by parents
4. Availability and price of tobacco
5. Lack of parent support / involvement
6. Lower self-image or self-esteem

Consequences of teen smoking:
1. Chronic cough - if smoking is continued
2. Reduced stamina
3. Bad breath
4. Yellow teeth
5. Stinky clothes
6. Expensive habit - 1 pack/day = about $1000/year.

Some tips for parents to help prevent teen smoking:
1. Educate your child about the dangers of smoking early on.
2. Be a good example. Only 2 percent of smokers have parents who don't smoke. (Mayo Clinic).
3. Don't leave cigarettes where children or teens may have access to them.
4. Teach the teen or child refusal skills

Teen Smoking Statistics Sources: CDC, Mayo Clinic, ALA