Social and Health Concerns
Tobacco use has an important impact on the health of communities around the world, affecting the regional distribution of various types of cancer (National Cancer Institute of Canada, 2004). It “is the leading cause of preventable death in Canada [and is] responsible for over 37,000 deaths annually and about one-third of cancers” (Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, 2009, p.1). The social costs of tobacco use in Canada are approximately $17 billion per year and $4.4 billion for direct healthcare costs (Propel Centre for Population Health Impact, 2009). In 2002, tobacco costs in Alberta were approximately $1.8 million accounting for 41% of the cost of substance abuse in the province (Alberta Health Services, 2007).
Smoking influences health at all stages of life. It affects the development of children in the womb and is associated with risk of miscarriage and stillbirth (Moner, 2005). Children born to mothers who smoke are also more likely to be born prematurely, have learning disabilities, and have low weight at birth (The Lung Association, 2008). Smoking is associated with several diseases including cancer, heart disease, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes (The Lung Association, 2008). Smoking causes 15% of circulatory deaths in Canada and 30% of smoking deaths are manifested through circulatory disease. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Canada and respiratory death is the third leading cause of death. Smoking and second-hand smoke is linked to asthma and other respiratory illnesses. In 2009, an estimated 1,500 Albertans died from lung cancer.
Cigarette smoke causes COPD, asthmas, and is linked to other respiratory illnesses. Second-hand smoke has a negative effect on people who have respiratory illnesses. It is known to irritate and precipitate symptoms of COPD, asthma, and other illnesses (Eisner, Klein, Hammond, Koren, Lactao, & Iribarren, 2005). Several Canadians report having been exposed to second-hand smoke outside their homes. Thirty-four percent of respondents report having been exposed to second-hand smoke at least once a week, and 10% report exposure every day. In 2009, 5% of children in Alberta between the ages of zero and 11 were exposed to second-hand smoke (CTUMS, 2010 Wave 1). Second-hand smoke is associated with 1,000 deaths in Canada each year (Canadian Cancer Society, 2010).
Use
Social and Health Concerns
Treatment and Prevention
References
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