Friday, June 01, 2007 Agencies vow commitment to ‘no smoking’ campaign
ADMITTING that the fight against smoking is a losing battle, health officials and government line agencies in the region signed a pledge to do their share in putting a stop to smoking.
In Thursday's commemoration of the World No Tobacco Day with the theme "Second-Hand Smoke Kills," the Department of Health (DOH) regional office said a concerted effort is needed to minimize, if not stop, smoking.
In a presentation, the DOH revealed that 33 percent of the 20 to 40 year old age groups are smokers. It likewise revealed an increasing trend in smoking among the youth with ages ranging from 13 to 15 years old.
The increasing trend was noted in urban areas.
The increasing number of smokers however also increased the risk of those who inhale second-hand smoke. And the law that is supposed to protect non-smokers has not been strictly enforced, the DOH further revealed.
Speaking before representatives of line agencies, City Health Officer Florence Reyes said those who inhale second-hand smoke are more prone to acquiring diseases associated with smoking because particles of exhaled smoke are tinier and is able to penetrate deeper into the lungs.
She added that more are affected from second-hand smoke because this is usually exhaled within the confines of indoor spaces. Children and babies are also more susceptible to the dangers of smoking, Reyes said.
The three pledges of commitment signed by line agencies was for the observance of no smoking during the World Tobacco Day, the designation of smoking areas in establishments, and a total smoking ban in other places. (RO)
