Public Health Day (English): World No Tobacco Day

Theme: Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction

A (Khushi): Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of the SANGYAN Podcast, an initiative by the Foundation of Healthcare Technologies Society. I’m Khushi. Today, on World No Tobacco Day, we're discussing an issue that affects millions of lives worldwide—tobacco and nicotine addiction. But before we begin, let me ask you a simple question. Have you ever seen a tobacco or nicotine product that looked modern, stylish, or even harmless?

B (Shagun): Hello everyone, I'm Shagun. And honestly, I think most of us have. Whether it's colorful vape devices, flavored products, sleek packaging, or social media advertisements, many nicotine and tobacco products are designed to look attractive—especially to young people.

A: And that's exactly why this year's World No Tobacco Day theme is so relevant: "Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction." The theme reminds us to look beyond the attractive packaging and marketing and understand what's really behind these products.

B: Because when we remove the attractive packaging, the flavors, and the advertising, what we're left with is a product designed to create addiction. And that's something many people don't realize in the beginning.

A: That's true. Most people don't start smoking or vaping because they want to become addicted. Some start out of curiosity. Some because of peer pressure. Others may believe it helps reduce stress or helps them fit in socially.

B: And that's where marketing becomes powerful. Many products are made to look fashionable, modern, or less harmful than traditional cigarettes. Some are even marketed as "cleaner" or "safer" alternatives.

A: But the reality is that many of these products still contain nicotine—a highly addictive substance. And nicotine doesn't just affect the body. It affects the brain too.

B: Especially among young people. Research shows that adolescence is a critical period for brain development. Exposure to nicotine during these years can affect attention, learning, memory, and increase the risk of long-term dependence.

A: And while many people associate tobacco only with lung cancer, the impact goes far beyond that. Tobacco use increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, oral cancer, and several other cancers.

B: In India, oral cancer remains one of the most common cancers, and tobacco use is one of its biggest risk factors. Many forms of smokeless tobacco are often considered less harmful, but they can have serious health consequences too.

A: And tobacco doesn't only harm the person using it. Second-hand smoke affects family members, friends, coworkers, and even children. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than 8 million people every year worldwide, including over one million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke.

B: That's a staggering number. And beyond health, tobacco also creates economic and social burdens. Money spent on tobacco products often comes at the cost of education, nutrition, healthcare, and other household needs.

A: There's also an environmental side to this issue that we don't talk about enough. Tobacco cultivation contributes to deforestation, cigarette butts are among the most commonly discarded forms of litter globally, and many vaping products generate electronic waste.

B: Which means tobacco affects not only our health but also the health of our planet.

A: So what can we do?

B: The first step is awareness. Understanding how tobacco and nicotine products are marketed helps us make informed decisions. When we recognize these tactics, we're less likely to be influenced by them.

A: The second step is supporting people who are trying to quit. Quitting tobacco isn't easy because nicotine addiction is powerful. Many people need multiple attempts before they successfully quit.

B: And that's okay. Every attempt to quit is progress. Support from family, friends, healthcare professionals, and quitlines can make a huge difference.

A: Parents and teachers also have an important role. Having open conversations with young people about tobacco, vaping, and nicotine products can help them make informed choices before they are influenced by marketing or peer pressure.

B: On This World No Tobacco Day, let's look beyond the flavors, the packaging, and the advertisements. Let's understand the reality behind these products and help others do the same.

A: Because protecting our health begins with informed choices.

B: And every step toward a tobacco-free life is a step toward a healthier future.

A: Thank you for listening to this episode of the SANGYAN Podcast.

B: Happy World No Tobacco Day. Stay informed, stay healthy, and let's work together toward a tobacco-free future.

Together: Unmask the Appeal. Break the Addiction.

References

1. World Health Organization. World No Tobacco Day 2026 Campaign: Unmasking the Appeal – Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction.
2. World Health Organization. Tobacco Fact Sheet.
3. WHO South-East Asia Regional Office. Tobacco Control and Youth Protection Resources.
4. Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India.
5. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Tobacco and Cancer Facts.
6. WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic.
7. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India – National Tobacco Control Programme.