Tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the world.
- Tobacco kills up to half of its users.
- Tobacco kills nearly 6 million people each year. More than five million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while more than 600 000 are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. Unless urgent action is taken, the annual death toll could rise to more than eight million by 2030.
- Nearly 80% of the world's one billion smokers live in low- and middle-income countries.
- Consumption of tobacco products is increasing globally, though it is decreasing in some high-income and upper middle-income countries.
Only a matter of time before it is classed alongside other drugs.
Tobacco companies will not let this happen. They care only about money...