1bn cigarettes smoked in Qatar Friday, 25 June 2010 05:03

DOHA: At least one billion cigarettes are smoked in Qatar each year, averaging 12,000 per individual, according to a recent study by Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q).

The study also shows that $65m is spent on cigarettes annually, while $150m is spent to cover the healthcare costs of patients affected by smoking-related diseases, according to the study, which was reported by a local daily.

Smoking shisha, a leisure activity in Qatar, is the most hazardous, according to the study. In the absence of a filter, it is a hundred times more dangerous than a cigarette as it allows fumes to pass directly to the smoker’s lungs.

“Smokers, who have psychological and other problems when they plan to quit the habit should follow the periodic medical and consulting follow–up,” said Dr Mohammed Ferjy, teaching assistant in Family Medicine and manager of the Primary Care and Clinical Skills Department of WCMC-Q.

“Quitting smoking can cause physical stress and many can feel isolated from the society due to nicotine addiction. Addicted smokers should resort to medical and psychological counselling before using products that help them to quit smoking.”

Studies in the United States have shown that smoking can cut the lifespan of an adult male smoker by 13.2 years and that of a female smoker by 14.5 years. Smokers can also suffer difficulties in breathing, movement and physical work many years prior to death.

Complications caused by smoking vary from diseases of the heart, stroke, lung cancer, emphysema, bronchitis, high blood pressure and poor vision to persistent cough and discolouration of teeth.

In the long run, smoking can cause mutation of lung cells, leading to serious health problems and premature death.

Studies done in WCMC-Q laboratories have proven these adverse effects of smoking.

THE PENINSULA

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