Tobacco Facts.

Tobacco use costs the global economy hundreds of billions of euro a year, new research revealed today.

According to the authors of the Tobacco Atlas, tobacco consumption lost the world a staggering €349bn in 2007 through dropped productivity, premature deaths, and missed taxation opportunities due to cigarette smuggling.

In the same year, tobacco use cost the Irish and UK economies €685m and £1.58 bn (€1.8bn) respectively.

The 128-page atlas assesses the economic and health impact of tobacco across the world and also tracks the progress of tobacco control policies.

Despite Ireland’s and the UK’s substantial losses as a result of people lighting up, both governments received praise in the report for their smoking bans, tax increases and cigarette box warnings.

Developing countries fare less well however, with an estimated 72% of those who die from tobacco-related illnesses next year set to be from low and middle income nations.

Report co-author and World Lung Foundation adviser Judith Mackay said the ultimate responsibility for cutting tobacco use lay with governments.

“Individuals have got to try to prevent their children from smoking, to try to give it up themselves, and then you’ve got the role of employers too,” she said.

“But only governments can raise the tax, and only governments can raise the price.”

The report was launched in Dublin at an international cancer summit organised by cycling star Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong foundation.

The new book is the third Tobacco Atlas to be published, with previous editions in 2002 and 2006.
Ms Mackay said that while the atlas did highlight some worrying statistics, its authors also found some cause for optimism.

“If you look at the numbers, this epidemic is going to get worse. There will be more smokers, greater consumption and more deaths.

“But on the other hand, if you were to look since the 2006 edition we have had enormous advances, government commitments and funding for multiple projects. That progress needs to continue.”

© Copyright: 25 Aug, 2009 Breakingnews

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