Shillong, February 8: Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao declared on Thursday that the swift prohibition of hookah products is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding citizens’ health and curbing the prevalence of tobacco-related diseases.
As per IANS, this action is substantiated by concerning data from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2016-17 (GATS-2), revealing that 22.8 percent of adults in Karnataka use tobacco, with 8.8 percent identified as smokers.
The report further discloses that 23.9 percent of adults are exposed to secondhand smoke in public places, highlighting the pervasive risk of tobacco consumption in the state, as per Minister Rao.
The WHO Global Youth Tobacco Survey of 2019 underscores the increasing involvement of youth with tobacco products, with almost one-fifth of students aged 13-15 having tried tobacco in some form. Minister Rao emphasized that both tobacco-based and “herbal” shisha emit smoke containing toxic agents, elevating the risk of cancers, heart disease, and lung disease.
Minister Rao also highlighted the economic burden of tobacco, citing a cost of Rs 983 crores in 2011 due to tobacco-related illnesses among individuals aged 35-69 in Karnataka.
Addressing tobacco as a gateway to drug abuse, the state government’s ban also tackles the alarming rise in opioid use and drug initiation linked to tobacco consumption, according to the World Drugs Report 2022.
Hookah smoking’s dangers are underscored by studies comparing it with cigarette smoking, revealing similar harmful substances in hookah smoke, including nicotine, tar, and heavy metals. Hookah smokers face the risk of various serious diseases, such as cancers and heart disease.
The ban targets the illicit operations of numerous hookah bars in Karnataka, particularly those near educational institutions, supported by legal provisions including COTPA 2003 and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
Minister Rao reiterated the state’s commitment to promoting public health and eliminating health hazards. The prohibition of hookah use, sale, and service in various establishments is deemed a crucial step in protecting youth from substance abuse and tobacco’s harmful effects. The Karnataka government believes this action will garner support from responsible citizens prioritizing the health and well-being of the people.