EDITORIAL - Heartbreaker

The leading cause of death worldwide is cardiovascular disease, responsible for 44 percent or 17.9 million deaths annually from non-communicable diseases. And among the major causes of cardiovascular diseases including heart attacks and strokes, according to the World Health Organization, are tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoke.

As World No Tobacco Day was marked on May 31, the international community had reason to celebrate. A new WHO report showed a marked decline in global tobacco use since 2000. But the report also showed that each year, smoking still kills approximately seven million people. Tobacco use and second-hand smoke also continue to contribute to about three million deaths worldwide from cardiovascular diseases.

After establishing that tobacco use causes cancer and lung disease, the WHO now wants to heighten global awareness of the fact that cigarette smoke “quite literally breaks hearts.”

In the Philippines, Republic Act 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 banned smoking in public places. This was complemented by an executive order issued by President Duterte, which took effect in July last year, enhancing the rules and imposing fines of P500 to P10,000 on violators and imprisonment of up to 30 days.

Duterte has admitted suffering from diseases caused by his smoking in the past. The 2015 WHO Global Adult Tobacco Survey showed that about 15.9 million Filipinos aged 15 years and older were smokers, with diseases caused by tobacco use blamed for six million deaths every year in the Philippines.

Higher taxes on cigarettes have helped curb smoking in the country. Cigarette packs are also required by law to carry gory photos of diseased organs and related images that are meant to discourage smoking.

While the measures are laudable, the problem as usual lies in enforcement. Buffer zones between smoking and non-smoking areas are rarely enough to keep second-hand smoke from spreading all over an establishment. Smoking rooms need stronger exhaust systems. There are also the new health risks posed by vaping that have yet to be fully regulated.

Cigarette consumption has gone down, but too many people continue to die from tobacco use and second-hand smoke. Much more work lies ahead to curb this deadly habit.