CYPRUS is one of the worst countries in the EU when it comes to smoking levels.”

That was the verdict of EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, who was yesterday in Nicosia’s Eleftheria Square as part of the EU’s anti-smoking campaign, HELP - For a Life Without Tobacco.

“More worrying is the fact that smoking is still part of the culture here on the island and is considered normal,” he said.

“We must educate young people that smoking is neither cool nor clever.”

Kyprianou had his breath tested for carbon monoxide (CO) as part of the ongoing campaign. It is now entering its second phase, following a successful period since launching in March last year. As well as continuing TV, radio, web and cinema advertising across member states, the campaign will also involve more than 100 national events for Europeans to be tested for carbon monoxide in an awareness-raising drive. It is expected that more than 50,000 tests will take place until November.

High levels of carbon monoxide can contribute to serious heart problems, blood clots and disrupted development of unborn babies in pregnant women.

“I quit smoking over 15 years ago, and luckily the carbon monoxide levels in my breath are back down to normal levels. But many young people are starting the habit every day, and this campaign is designed to raise awareness of the health risks linked to the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke,” said Kyprianou.

“Healthcare costs caused by smoking top €100 billion per year in Europe and smoking has become the main preventable killer of our time, which kills 650,000 people in the EU every year. The HELP campaign has been very successful so far in getting the message across that smokers can get help to quit, and warning young people of the risks of passive smoking and addiction. With this carbon monoxide campaign, the HELP campaign is stepping up a gear to promote a life without tobacco.”

According to the official HELP website, there are many reasons why somebody should not start the habit. Apart from the fact that tobacco kills, it is expensive, damages the body inside and out, generates addiction, is harmful to those close to the smoker and is out of fashion.

The campaign will be associated with World No Tobacco Day on May 31 through the launch of a major television campaign covering the 25 Member States.

Currently, 1.3 billion people around the world use tobacco, and 4.9 million people die from tobacco use every year. Half of all current tobacco users will eventually die from tobacco-related illnesses. By 2030, the World Bank predicts that smoking will kill about one in six adults globally per year. Although almost 70 per cent of these deaths occur in developing nations, tobacco use is still a major health problem in Europe. It is the second largest cause of death and the leading preventable cause of death worldwide.

According to the HELP site, “governments and legislators have a duty to try to prevent these deaths but society must also be involved, with health professionals having a special and prominent role to play in tobacco control.”

Source: Cyprus Mail