The Passive toll

While there is widespread awareness about the harm caused by smoking, many find it challenging to kick the habit, putting at risk countless non-smokers. On the occasion of World Anti-Tobacco Day, experts speak out about the pernicious problem of smoking and passive smoking.

Hidden dangers

Passive smoking, or second-hand smoke exposure, poses significant health risks to non-smokers. When they inhale the smoke exhaled by smokers or emitted by burning tobacco products, they are exposed to numerous toxic chemicals without choosing to be.

Dr Syed Abdul Aleem, consultant, Pulmonology at CARE Hospitals, explains, “Passive smoking involves the involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke by non-smokers. This exposure can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory infections, asthma attacks, lung cancer and heart disease.”

Dr Sulaiman Ladhani, pulmonologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, emphasises the severe impact of passive smoking on children. “Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at a higher risk of developing severe respiratory infections, more frequent asthma attacks and long-term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” he notes.

Dr Richa Mittal, consultant in Pulmonary Medicine at Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, points out the critical differences between active and passive smoking. “Active smokers inhale higher concentrations of harmful chemicals, while passive smokers involuntarily inhale these toxins from the environment. This involuntary exposure is particularly problematic in public or shared spaces, where non-smokers cannot easily avoid second-hand smoke,” she explains.

Dr Ladhani underscores the need for greater awareness about the severe health consequences of passive smoking. “Passive smokers are at increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Children exposed to second-hand smoke may suffer from severe respiratory infections and more frequent asthma attacks. It’s essential to recognise these risks and take measures to protect non-smokers,” he asserts.

Looking for substitutes

The best and most obvious way to protect non-smokers is for smokers to kick the habit. But that’s easier said than done. One route followed by many who are addicted to tobacco is to find an acceptable and more healthy alternative. But are there such options?

Quitting smoking is a significant challenge that requires determination, support and sometimes medical intervention. Dr Richa Mittal emphasises that there are no truly healthy alternatives to smoking. However, she recommends nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) like gums, patches and lozenges to manage nicotine addiction. “Behavioural strategies, such as relaxation practices, exercise and avoiding triggers can be effective. Working with a physician or support group provides additional guidance and encouragement,” she advises.

Alternative therapies can also play a role in quitting smoking. “Acupuncture, hypnosis and mindfulness meditation can help manage stress and reduce cravings. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet are also beneficial for those trying to quit,” adds Dr Mittal.

Dr Syed Abdul Aleem highlights the importance of support groups. “Behavioural therapy addresses the psychological and emotional aspects of smoking addiction. Support groups provide a sense of community and shared experiences, which can be very encouraging,” he explains.

Dr Sulaiman Ladhani cautions against considering vaping and e-cigarettes as healthy alternatives. “Vaping and e-cigarettes are equally harmful, potentially causing cancer, heart disease, and other non-communicable diseases. For those seeking to quit smoking, nicotine replacement therapies and behavioural therapy are more effective and safer options,” he feels.

Smokers share their struggles

Addiction to nicotine and the habit-forming quality of smoking make it difficult for smokers to give it up.

Jose Thomp-son, founder of Xite International, shares his experience, “For me, smoking is less of a habit and more of a part of my generation’s culture. The social aspect of smoking, like taking breaks to chat and bond, makes it harder to quit. Leadership can be stressful, and having a support system is crucial.”

Vijesh CV, Group President at a Fintech company, highlights the dual nature of smoking addiction. “Quitting smoking is incredibly challenging because it’s not just a habit but a deep-seated addiction. Nicotine creates a physical dependence, while the rituals and social aspects reinforce the behaviour,” he explains.

Shakuntala Dutta, VP at a media firm, has been smoking for 27 years. “I’ve tried to quit several times, especially during pregnancy and for medical reasons, but it’s tough. I don’t encourage smoking, but I believe that any adult who smokes is making a responsible choice,” she states.

A person who successfully quit smoking but wished to remain anonymous shared their unconventional method: “I tried quitting through willpower multiple times and failed. What worked for me was mindful smoking, using an app that helped me become more conscious of my cravings and gradually eliminate them.”

Celebrities who said No

Many celebrities have successfully quit smoking, offering inspiration to those still struggling with the habit.

Former President Barack Obama, who quit smoking after years of struggle, humorously credited his wife for his success. “I’m scared of my wife,” he joked in 2013, highlighting the importance of support systems.

Jennifer Aniston found that yoga helped her break her addiction. She wrote for her yoga teacher Mandy Ingber’s book, Yogalosophy, about how regular yoga sessions played a crucial role in her journey to becoming smoking-free.

Hrithik Roshan, who once smoked, described cigarettes as a “virus” and declared himself a “non-smoker.” His commitment to spreading awareness about the harmful effects of smoking is a testament to the power of personal transformation.

Saif Ali Khan quit smoking after a heart attack scare at the age of 36, demonstrating how health scares can be a wake-up call for many smokers.

Influencer-speak

Actor Vivek Oberoi has been an anti-tobacco ambassador for years. He turned down lucrative surrogate ads and made anti-tobacco films. Vivek shares, “I smoked on screen in my first film in 2002. When the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) reached out to me with data on how smoking influences and impacts the youth, I decided to take positive action. I turned down surrogate ads worth over Rs 20 crore in my career and instead made the world’s most-watched anti-tobacco films. For this, I was awarded by the World Health Organisation in 2004 and have been their anti-tobacco ambassador since then. It is difficult to quit any habit, but if you face the reality of how bad the impact is on your health and how it affects not just the smoker but the entire family, it increases the motivation to quit. Having a buddy to either quit with you or being your ‘conscience keeper’ also helps. If there is someone you really love and respect in life, go to them with honesty and ask them to help you quit the habit, it will keep you sincere in the effort.”

In a nutshell

Quitting smoking is a daunting task that requires determination, support and sometimes medical intervention. But it can’t be ignored that passive smoking poses significant health risks to non-smokers. On Anti World Tobacco Day, it’s particularly apt that we recognise the efforts of those fighting to quit and continue raising awareness about the severe consequences of both smoking and passive smoking.

“Passive smoking can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory infections, asthma attacks, lung cancer and heart disease.” — Dr Syed Abdul Aleem, consultant, Pulmonology, CARE Hospitals, Musheerabad

I smoked on screen in my first film in 2002. When the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) reached out to me with data on how smoking influences and impacts the youth, I decided to take positive action. I turned down surrogate ads worth over Rs 20 crore in my career and instead made the world’s most-watched anti-tobacco films. — Vivek Oberoi, actor

For me, smoking is less of a habit and more of a part of my generation’s culture. The social aspect of smoking, like taking breaks to chat and bond, makes it harder to quit. Leadership can be stressful, and having a support system is crucial.”— Jose Thompson, founder of Xite International, shares his experience

“Behavioural strategies, such as relaxation practices, exercise and avoiding triggers can be effective. Working with a physician or support group provides additional guidance and encouragement.”— Dr Richa Mittal, consultant in Pulmonary Medicine, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai

I’ve tried to quit several times, especially during pregnancy and for medical reasons, but it’s tough. I don’t encourage smoking, but I believe that any adult who smokes is making a responsible choice” — Shakuntala Dutta

“Children exposed to second-hand smoke are at a higher risk of developing severe respiratory infections, more frequent asthma attacks and long-term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).” — Dr Sulaiman Ladhani, pulmonologist, Wockhardt Hosp, Mumbai Central