World No Tobacco Day

Every year on May 31, World No Tobacco Day is widely observed. This day highlights the dangers of tobacco use and promotes awareness of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) actions in combating the tobacco epidemic.

Member states of the World Health Organization established this day in 1987 to raise global awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco on human health.

Tobacco smoke primarily damages tooth enamel, causing it to darken and develop invisible cracks. These cracks provide an entryway for harmful microbes to enter the human body. The smoke also burns the moist lining of the mouth and throat, leading to inflammation and tumor formation over time.

As a result of tobacco smoke, the salivary glands begin to produce excessive amounts of saliva. Toxic substances like aniline, ammonia, and carcinogens (which can cause cancer) are swallowed along with saliva, irritating the lining of the stomach and duodenum and leading to ulcers.

In Turkmenistan, anti-smoking measures are carried out consistently. Public health campaigns promote healthy lifestyles, raise awareness about the risks of smoking, and implement effective actions to improve citizens’ well-being and increase life expectancy. These efforts aim to transform Turkmenistan into a tobacco-free country.