Every year, approximately 87,600 Filipinos die due to tobacco-related diseases. The latest Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows that the number of current tobacco smokers aged 15 years and above decreased from 17.3 million Filipinos (28 % of the population) in 2010 to 15.1 million Filipino adults (19.5% of the population) in 2021. The reduction of tobacco ads, promotions, and sponsorships, plus the price increase of tobacco products are some of the factors that contributed to the decline. Although the number of smokers decreased, smoking among Filipinos remains prevalent.

According to the American Lung Association (ALA), cigarettes are composed of approximately 600 different ingredients, many of which are toxic (at least 69 can cause cancer). When a person inhales cigarette smoke, the individual ingests these harmful chemicals, including ammonia, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen cyanide.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking increases the risk of cancer, Type 2 diabetes, lung diseases, stroke, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smoking may also lead to other health problems like certain eye diseases, tuberculosis, and immune system issues, including rheumatoid arthritis.

Furthermore, did you know that smoking can also lead to premature aging? A study conducted on twins shows that smoking ages your face faster. The study reveals that smoking reduces collagen formation and skin elasticity which causes premature aging. Aside from making you look older, the chemical called tar can also stain the teeth, giving them a yellowish tinge.

Non-smokers are also in danger because secondhand smoke can cause stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. Children who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory infections, and slowed lung development.