Preface

Tobacco smoking is one of the greatest causes of mortality in the world. It is a dangerous lifestyle choice that results in increased risk of premature death and serious morbidities. Although the adverse health effects from tobacco usage are well documented, this book provides a detailed compilation of health risks associated with tobacco smoking and its impact. Environmental smoke causes the same serious conditions as active smoking. The implication of passive smoking and serious health implications for both children and adults are highlighted to increase knowledge of the health effects of second-hand smoke. Therefore, apart from physical health risk, social health risk and the environmental impact of smoking are illustrated to create societal recognition of the dangers of smoking and support for a smoke-free environment.

Electronic cigarettes are marketed as a smoking cessation product and a healthier alternative to smoked tobacco. The issue of electronic cigarettes is one of the most controversial topics in public health. The positive health effects described in this book are that electronic cigarettes can help individuals quit smoking, they are healthier than smoking, and they have no smoke or second-hand smoke exposure. However, the health effects of electronic cigarettes have been a contentious topic in the scientific community. Some evidence suggests that electronic cigarette use may facilitate smoking cessation, but definitive data are lacking. Thus, this book also presents a collection of ideas and research findings of the role of electronic cigarettes in the prevention and cessation strategies of smoking. This book is beneficial as a guidance for people who want to quit smoking with the aid of electronic cigarettes and to understand their health impacts and dangers. The empirical evidence of the adverse health impacts of electronic smoking is described. Electronic cigarette laws and regulation are also discussed in this book.

> **Li Ping Wong and Victor Hoe** Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya, Malaysia

**1**

**Chapter 1**

**Abstract**

reduce cigarette smoking.

free from tobacco smoking [1].

**1. Introduction**

Impact of Smoking in a

*Ignatio Madanhire and Charles Mbohwa*

Country: A Review

Tobacco-Growing Developing

The chapter reviews the impact of smoking on a developing country whose economy heavily depends on growing tobacco. Other than the pollution of the air caused by tobacco smoke, large areas of forestry land is destroyed, and huge losses are incurred due to perennial veldt fires. These would damage properties, flora, and fauna, and in some cases human life is lost. Public health bill is increasing annually to carter for smoking-related cancer which has become the major killer disease ahead of HIV/AIDS in the country. The levying of excise duty on cigarette sales to control tobacco smoking is not deterrent enough. There has been a marked increase in smoking by the youth of school-going age, and this risk behavior has been attributed to excessive exposure to intense advertising by the tobacco industry. Weak legal framework has not done enough to enforce tobacco smoking control, prohibition of public smoking, and sale of tobacco to the under-aged individuals. It was established that the common view that the thriving tobacco industry is responsible for key economic exports does not promote initiatives to

**Keywords:** smoking, cigarettes, control, pollution, health, environment

Cigarette smoking habit is normally started at an early age, and it continues into one's adult life [1]. According to prior studies, if one starts smoking, it will be difficult for one to stop the practice. Among those who continue to smoke throughout their lives, it is estimated that about half are expected to die from some smokingrelated causes [2, 3]. It is for this reason that adolescents and school-aged children should be a primary focus for all intervention strategies [1, 2]. There is a need to put in place initiatives and strategic alliances to effectively address the negative impact of tobacco and to encourage and support children to lead healthy and active lives

It is estimated that, of the 6.6 billion people in the world, 1.3 billion are smokers and 1 billion of these are males [2]. By the year 2030, tobacco will be the single biggest cause of death worldwide causing more deaths than HIV, malaria, tuberculosis, maternal mortality, automobile crashes, homicides, and suicides combined [1, 3]. It is also estimated that tobacco-related diseases will account for 11% of all deaths that will occur in developing countries by 2025. So far, no other consumer products have

come close to inflicting this degree of harm on the world community [2].

#### **Chapter 1**
