Vietnam among world’s 15 heaviest smokers
(VOV) - Vietnam’s estimated 15 million smokers placed it among the 15 heaviest smoking nations in a 2010 global survey.
More than 47% of Vietnamese aged 15 and above smoke cigarettes.
The remaining 33 million non-smokers are often forced to endure the habit of family members at home, and approximately five million are victims of passive smoking at work.
Medical experts say cigarettes contain 7,000 toxic chemicals, including 70 carcinogens.
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World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics reveal around 40,000 Vietnamese people die from tobacco-related diseases every year. It forecasts annual fatalities will reach 70,000 by 2030.
Vietnam issued the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms in mid-2013, entering into effect at hospitals, schools, and public places on May 1.
But smoking in public space, even in hospitals, is still rife.
Public health campaigns about the dangers of tobacco are not enough in isolation. Stricter enforcement, more regulations, and designated smoking areas would help encourage the addicted to change their habits.