Let's 'save' teenagers from the 'poisoning' of tobacco.

The rate of e-cigarette use among students aged 13-17 has increased rapidly in recent years. This indicates that young people are becoming a target for the tobacco industry.

The Tan Ky commune police are raising awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and disseminating legal information to students.

Health risks associated with tobacco use.

Despite numerous signs prohibiting smoking in public places, along with penalties, smoking remains quite common in the community. It's not uncommon to see people casually smoking in cafes, bus stations, parks, etc. White smoke billows around them, seemingly unconcerned about the discomfort it causes to others.

Ms. Pham Thi Hong, residing in Hai An ward, stated: "Cafes and chrysanthemum tea shops with outdoor spaces often have people smoking, from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes. They are indifferent to the reactions of those around them. Furthermore, many people casually hold cigarettes in their hands while walking on the street, not only exhaling smoke but also having cigarette butts fly into passersby."

Previously, tobacco was identified through traditional cigarettes. However, current reality shows a clear shift towards new forms such as e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches. E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular among teenagers, with attractive designs, diverse flavors like fruit, mint, and chocolate, and trendy, fashionable advertising on social media. Many teenagers try them out of curiosity but quickly become dependent on nicotine – an addictive substance that seriously affects the brain, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system.

According to health sector data, the rate of adult male smokers in Vietnam remains high, at approximately 38.9%. Even more concerning, the rate of e-cigarette use among students aged 13-17 has increased rapidly in recent years. This indicates that young people are becoming a target for the tobacco industry. According to a 2025 survey (before consolidation), the rate of young smokers in the former Hai Phong city was approximately 20%, and in the former Hai Duong province it was over 12%.

According to Dr. Bui Thi Tuyen, Specialist I, Department of Outpatient Clinic 33 Le Dai Hanh (Hai Phong Lung Hospital): Cigarette smoke contains 7,000 chemicals, 69 of which are carcinogenic. Nicotine is the leading addictive substance known to modern medicine; neurological studies rank it on par with cocaine and heroin in terms of the rate of dependence formation.

According to data from the Ministry of Health , Vietnam has approximately 40,000 deaths annually due to tobacco-related diseases (this number could increase to 70,000 by 2030 if no preventive measures are taken). In terms of respiratory health, long-term smokers almost certainly face chronic bronchitis, COPD, and emphysema. Cardiovascular health can lead to rapidly progressing atherosclerosis, a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction, and a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of stroke. Furthermore, the nervous system is also damaged, leading to chronic anxiety, depression, and long-term cognitive decline.

Warning: Protecting teenagers

The police in Tu Minh ward are raising awareness about tobacco prevention among students.

Despite the frequent and continuous warnings and recommendations about the consequences of tobacco and nicotine in the media, the smoking rate remains high, especially among young people. Not only e-cigarettes, but traditional cigarettes are also still a leading cause of illness and death.

Dr. Bui Thi Tuyen, Specialist I, added: Some diseases, if detected early and medication discontinued promptly, can be well-recovered. However, other diseases such as COPD, asthma caused by smoking, or chronic coronary artery disease can only be controlled. Treatment helps slow progression and maintain quality of life, but cannot achieve complete recovery. With late-stage lung cancer, advanced pulmonary fibrosis, or severe emphysema, the main treatment goal is to prolong life and reduce pain; complete cure is very difficult.

Given the severe consequences of tobacco and nicotine, all levels of government, sectors, localities, and units have intensified various activities to raise awareness and prevent the harmful effects of tobacco. Effective tobacco control models have been implemented and maintained, such as: the "Smoke-Free Hospital" model; the "Healthy Family - Smoke-Free" model; the "Smoke-Free Youth Union" model; and the "Smoke-Free School" model.

In response to World No Tobacco Day (May 31st) and National No Tobacco Week, the People's Committee of the city requests that all sectors and units continue to strictly implement the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm. Local authorities should intensify propaganda through grassroots information systems, digital platforms, and social media; and encourage officials, civil servants, employees, and the public to adopt a civilized lifestyle and build a smoke-free living environment.

In addition to public awareness campaigns, the city requires increased inspection and supervision of the implementation of legal regulations on tobacco harm prevention and control; timely detection and strict handling of violations, especially the illegal use and sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products.

The Department of Health is responsible for leading and implementing activities in response to the campaign; and simultaneously strengthening communication about the harmful effects of tobacco on health, focusing on warning about the risks of tobacco use among teenagers, students, and young adults. The Department of Education and Training directs educational institutions to strengthen propaganda, build smoke-free school environments, and prevent the use of e-cigarettes in schools.

HOANG XUAN

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/hay-cuu-thanh-thieu-nien-khoi-su-dau-doc-cua-thuoc-la-544268.html