The Real Cost of Tobacco Exposure: A Global Crisis with Local Consequences

It’s hard to ignore a number like this: More than 7 million people lost their lives to tobacco exposure in 2023. That’s not a typo — it’s the harsh reality revealed by recent global health data. Tobacco remains a top killer, particularly for men, and it continues to take a serious toll on communities across the world.

A UK Snapshot: Progress and Persisting Problems in Tobacco Exposure

The UK has made great strides in tackling tobacco harm. Since 1990, tobacco-related deaths here have nearly halved — a remarkable public health win. But let’s not light the victory cigars just yet. It is estimated that Brits still smoke around 29 billion cigarettes a year, and smoking rates remain higher in more deprived regions like the North East and parts of Scotland. So while we’re on the right path, there’s still work to be done to close the gap.

The Power of Tobacco Control

Globally, the fight against tobacco is gaining serious momentum. Today, 6.1 billion people are protected by at least one key tobacco control policy. These measures include things like health warnings, bans on advertising, public smoking restrictions, and higher tobacco taxes. They’re not just rules on paper — they save lives, and the numbers prove it. Effective implementation of these tobacco control policies is crucial to ensure they achieve real-world health and economic impact.

Health Risks and Vulnerable Groups

The global tobacco epidemic continues to threaten the health and lives of millions, with some groups facing even greater risks than others. Tobacco smoke is packed with over 5,000 chemicals – including more than 60 well-established carcinogens – making it a leading cause of lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and a host of other tobacco-related diseases. But the dangers of tobacco use don’t stop with smokers themselves — secondhand smoke puts pregnant women, children, and adults at serious risk, even if they never light up a cigarette.

Pregnant women exposed to tobacco smoke, whether through their own smoking or from others, face a higher risk of complications like premature birth, low birthweight, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For babies and children, the dangers are just as stark. Kids living in homes where adults smoke are more likely to develop respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and asthma, and are at a greater risk of dying from SIDS. There is no safe level of exposure — secondhand smoke can harm developing lungs and set the stage for lifelong health problems.

That’s why strong tobacco control policies are so important. Creating smoke-free environments, raising tobacco taxes, and banning advertising are proven ways to reduce the initiation of tobacco use and protect people from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. But policy alone isn’t enough. Access to resources and support — like counseling, nicotine replacement therapies, and quit smoking services — can make all the difference, especially for those who need it most.

The numbers are sobering: the World Health Organization estimates that tobacco use kills over 7 million people worldwide each year, making it one of the leading causes of preventable death. The economic toll is staggering too, with costs exceeding $1 trillion annually due to healthcare expenses and lost productivity. To turn the tide, we need ongoing surveillance and evaluation — collecting data, training healthcare professionals, and ensuring that tobacco control measures are working as intended.

Protecting population health means prioritising prevention, supporting those who want to quit, and shielding everyone from the dangers of tobacco smoke. By joining forces, setting clear objectives, and committing to evidence-based action, we can move closer to a smoke-free generation. The importance of tobacco control has never been clearer: it’s time to protect people, reduce risk, and create a less harmful environment for all.

Policies That Lead the Way

The UK has become something of a global role model for tobacco control. Plain packaging, strong health warnings, and some of the world’s highest tobacco taxes are all part of the mix. And now, the government’s proposing to go even further by banning cigarette sales to anyone born after 2009 — a bold step toward creating a smoke-free generation and helping the UK achieve its public health goals.

New Challenges Surrounding Vaping and Heated Tobacco

While traditional smoking is on the decline, newer nicotine products like vapes and heated tobacco devices such as e-cigarettes are gaining ground. These products come in various forms, including e-cigarettes, heated tobacco devices, e-pipes, and e-cigars, and all forms carry potential health effects. These are widely considered potentially less harmful alternatives to cigarettes and are often used as tools for quitting.

However, concerns remain about the health effects of these devices, especially regarding long-term use and potential risks. That said, they still raise questions around long-term use and youth appeal. Regulation is catching up, but there’s no one-size-fits-all policy globally, and gaps still exist in some countries — especially when it comes to advertising and labelling.

Why This Matters Now

Here in the UK, we’re uniquely positioned to keep leading the charge. But progress isn’t automatic — it needs care and continued investment. With vaping on the rise, especially among young people, it’s important to strike a balance: support harm reduction, enforce sensible regulations, and make sure no one is left behind. Communities with fewer resources continue to face the highest smoking rates, highlighting the need for targeted support and education.

Leading by Example

Over 7 million lives lost in a single year is a powerful wake-up call. Tobacco-related diseases not only cause premature death but also lead to disability and long-term suffering, placing a heavy burden on individuals and healthcare systems.

Reducing smoking rates during pregnancy is crucial to protect both mothers and their babies, as babies are especially vulnerable to the harms of secondhand smoke, including low birth weight and respiratory problems. Supporting tobacco users with professional advice from healthcare providers can greatly increase their chances of quitting. Official documents and policy papers play a vital role in guiding effective tobacco control strategies. But it’s not just a global issue — it’s happening in our towns, our cities, our communities.

With smart policy, clear public messaging, and a focus on harm reduction, the UK has the opportunity to lead by example. A smoke-free future isn’t just possible — it’s within reach.