26% J-K population uses tobacco products: Expert

Jammu, October 11

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With 26 per cent population of J&K using tobacco products in one form or the other, the state is becoming a “lung cancer capital of India”. This was revealed by Dr NC Prabhakar, a resource person for an anti-tobacco campaign, at a workshop here.

He said India is at No 3 in the production of tobacco products and second as the consumer in tobacco products in the world. He said 3.8 per cent population of the J&K smokes “bidis” while 8 per cent use smokeless tobacco products.

“The prevalence of cigarette use in the state is 12 per cent, almost double the nationwide prevalence of 5.7 per cent. The state reports the highest proportion of adults exposed to tobacco smoke in offices (67.9 per cent) and Chandigarh the lowest (15.4 per cent),” a statement said. Additional Commissioner was the chief guest while the Chief Medical Officer Parvinder presided over the function. The chief guest stressed the need for the strict implementation of the Cigarette And Other Tobacco Product Act. — TNS