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TOBACCO EPIDEMIC IN INDIA

31st May, 2024

TOBACCO EPIDEMIC IN INDIA

Source: Hindu

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

  • Tobacco is the most widely recognized preventable cause of disease and death globally.
  • It affects not only those who consume it but also those who cultivate it.
  • In India, the tobacco epidemic presents a multifaceted challenge, impacting public health, the environment, and the economy. 

Details

Tobacco Use in India

Prevalence and Demographics

  • High Consumption: India has the second-highest number of tobacco consumers in the world after China, with nearly 260 million users as of 2016-2017.
  • At-Risk Populations: Over 6 million people are employed in the tobacco industry, where exposure to tobacco can lead to various diseases.

Surveys and Data

  • Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS)and Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) assess tobacco use among adults and youth respectively.
  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS)also captures tobacco use among those above 15 years.
  • Recent Trends: Overall tobacco use has decreased, but use among women increased by 2.1% between NFHS 2015-2016 and NFHS 2019-2021.

Impact of COVID-19

  • Data Gaps: No comprehensive survey has been conducted since the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting a need for up-to-date data to track trends and develop strategies.

Health and Environmental Impact

Health Consequences

  • Diseases: Tobacco use causes a wide range of diseases, including cancers, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Occupational Risks: Workers in the tobacco industry face health risks from dermal absorption of nicotine and other chemicals.

Environmental Damage

  • Soil Depletion: Tobacco is an erosive crop that rapidly depletes soil nutrients, requiring more fertilizers, which further degrade soil quality.
  • Deforestation: Tobacco production contributes to deforestation; processing 1 kg of tobacco requires up to 5.4 kg of wood.
  • Waste Generation: Tobacco production and consumption generate approximately 170,000 tonnes of waste annually in India.

Economic Burden

  • Healthcare Costs: Tobacco-related health issues cost India over ₹1.7 lakh crore in 2017-2018, exceeding the Union Budget for health of ₹48,000 crore for the same year.
  • Waste Management: Cleaning up tobacco waste costs around ₹6,367 crore annually.

Regulation and Control

Legislation

  • Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC): India is a signatory, aiming to reduce tobacco usage through various strategies.
  • COTPA 2003 (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act): Governs production, advertisement, distribution, and consumption of tobacco.

National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP)

  • Objectives: Enhance COTPA and FCTC implementation, raise awareness, and support cessation.
  • Challenges: Poor implementation, non-compliance with packaging guidelines, and ineffective regulation of smuggled products.

Advertising and Taxation

  • Surrogate Advertising: Loopholes allow indirect promotion of tobacco via proxy products.
  • Taxation Issues: Low tobacco taxes and ineffective tax administration keep tobacco affordable.

Control Measures and Effectiveness

Proposed Amendments

  • 2015: Regulations on surrogate advertisements, inclusion of digital media, increased fines.
  • 2020: Licensing for tobacco production, supply, and distribution.

NTCP and Taxation

  • Effectiveness: Studies show no significant difference in tobacco consumption between NTCP and non-NTCP districts.
  • Tax Measures: Inadequate taxation and issues with tax evasion and illicit trade.

Tobacco Affordability

  • Economic Analysis: Tobacco products have become more affordable over the years, undermining public health efforts.
  • FCTC Recommendations: Current tax rates are below the recommended 75%.

Lobbying and Industry Influence

  • Government Stake: The government holds a 7.8% stake in ITC Ltd., India's largest tobacco company.
  • Policy Interference: Effective lobbying has led to exemptions and influenced tobacco control policies.
  • Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act 2019: Banned e-cigarettes, yet their use remains a public health challenge.

Recommendations

  • Implementation: Stricter enforcement of existing laws and increased fines for violations.
  • Taxation: Increase taxes in line with FCTC recommendations, inflation, and GDP growth.
  • Crop Diversification: Help tobacco farmers switch to alternative crops, enhancing livelihood sustainability.
  • Surveys: Conduct regular and comprehensive surveys to gather up-to-date data on tobacco use trends.
  • Research: Invest in studies to understand and counter the tobacco industry's evolving strategies.

About Tobacco

  • Tobacco is a product prepared from the leaves of the tobacco plant by curing them. The main types of tobacco products include:
  • Smoking tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco
  • Smokeless tobacco: Chewing tobacco, snuff

History of Tobacco Use

  • Ancient Use: Indigenous peoples in the Americas used tobacco in religious and medicinal practices.
  • Introduction to Europe: Christopher Columbus brought tobacco to Europe in the late 15th century.
  • Commercialization: Tobacco became a major trade commodity in the 17th century.

Global Production and Consumption

  • Top Producers: China, India, Brazil, and the United States
  • Consumption Patterns: Vary widely across regions, with high rates in some Asian and Eastern European countries.

Primary Chemicals in Tobacco

  • Nicotine: The addictive substance found in tobacco.
  • Tar: A mixture of chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
  • Carbon Monoxide: A harmful gas produced by burning tobacco.

Nicotine and Its Effects

  • Stimulant: Increases heart rate and blood pressure.
  • Addictive Properties: Causes physical and psychological dependence.

Additives in Tobacco Products

  • Flavorings: Enhance taste and appeal.
  • Humectants: Keep tobacco moist.
  • Ammonia: Increases nicotine absorption.

Sources:

Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.  India's battle against the tobacco epidemic requires a multifaceted approach, combining stringent regulation, effective enforcement, economic measures, and support for affected populations. Comment. (250 Words)