European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

AN INSIGHT INTO TOBACCO USE AND CONTROL IN INDIA FROM THE PAST TO THE PRESENT

Sudeep C. B.* and Chaitra Thaliyil

ABSTRACT

Tobacco smoke is harmful not only to smokers but to non-smokers as well. Smoking cigarette and other tobacco products impose a large and growing global public health burden. Responsible for almost 5 billion deaths per year worldwide, it is one of the major causes of premature deaths. The 21st century is likely to see 1 billion tobacco deaths, most of them in low-income countries. Christopher Columbus introduced tobacco to the world; he discovered tobacco among the treasures of the New World in 1492. India got introduced to tobacco by the Portuguese 4oo years ago and they established the tradition of tobacco trade in their colony at Goa. Prevalence and practices of tobacco use is varied and disparate in India now. Tobacco related legislation in India has only a short history so far. Though, significant impetus has been there recently to come up with a multi-faceted national control measure which has a promising future ahead. Health care organizations have started to provide structured smoking cessation services now, and recognize the value of this health maintenance intervention. As a signatory to FCTC, India with renewed fervor is now actively involved in combating the menace of tobacco.

Keywords: Tobacco, Tobacco Cessation, Cigarette Smoking, Public Health, Legislation.