Cigarette companies are targeting young people and children under the age of 20

Professor Dr. Toker Ergüder, a member of the Presidential Health Policies Board and the Scientific Board of Yeşilay (Turkish Green Crescent Society), stated that cigarette companies specifically target young people and children under the age of 20.

Ergüder emphasized that smoking is one of the most deadly and preventable risk factors.

He highlighted that approximately 7 million people worldwide and nearly 100,000 people in Türkiye die prematurely each year due to tobacco-related causes. He noted that cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemical substances, approximately 80 of which are directly carcinogenic.

Stating that cigarette companies strategically target young people, Ergüder said, "Cigarette companies target young people and children under the age of 20 the most because by making them addicted to nicotine at a young age, they make them dependent for life, thus binding them economically as well."

Ergüder, recalling that Turkey had reduced tobacco use rates to 27% with the "Smoke-Free Air Zone" policy implemented in 2008, noted that these rates began to rise again after 2013 due to a change in tactics by cigarette companies.

Drawing attention to the increase in tobacco use observed in the last 10 years, Ergüder stated, "Especially after 2013, cigarette companies targeted young women and girls more. This led to an increase in tobacco use rates among women. According to Ministry of Health data, the tobacco use rate in Türkiye has risen to 34%, and to over 20% among women."

Ergüder emphasized that smoking poses a serious threat to public health, stating that approximately 50% of men in Türkiye smoke.

He added that tobacco use creates a significant burden not only on health but also on the economy, with treatment costs, medication expenses, and loss of workforce causing serious damage to the national economy.