A "death clock" tracking how many people will die from excess tobacco use was unveiled by the World Health Organisation and anti-smoking activists on Monday to mark a new campaign against the illicit tobacco trade.
The "death clock," which shows the number of tobacco-related deaths since the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) negotiations began in October 1999, stood at just under the 40 million mark at the unveiling.
Health Hazards of Smoking Cigarettes
Smoking causes many diseases and affects the overall health of smokers.
Smoking causes many diseases and affects the overall health of smokers.
"This 'epidemic' is hitting the poorest of the poor," said Douglas Bettcher, director of the WHO's Tobacco-Free Initiative.
But he added that "we do see some green shoots in some countries" taking action to curb tobacco use, such as the use of graphic pictures showing damaged lungs and other health consequences on cigarette packets.
The WHO said this trade is linked to organised crime and even terrorism, and it estimates that 50 billion dollars is lost in tax revenues to governments every year.
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Lung Cancer - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor in the lung tissues. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer with symptoms like recurrent respiratory diseases.
Lung cancer is a malignant tumor in the lung tissues. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer with symptoms like recurrent respiratory diseases.
RAS/SK
Mesothelioma
Animation on mesothelioma - a form of lung cancer, that explains about the condition, its risk factors, diagnosis and treatment
Animation on mesothelioma - a form of lung cancer, that explains about the condition, its risk factors, diagnosis and treatment
