Article | Why CAQM Must Account Smokers' Contribution to AQI?
What is One Cigarette Equivalence to AQI?
On 16th January 2024, the United Nations released a report titled "Tobacco use declining despite industry interference: WHO." According to the latest estimates, there are 1.25 billion tobacco users globally, with 150 countries successfully reducing rates among individuals aged 15 and above. Southeast Asia holds the highest percentage of tobacco users at 26.5%, followed closely by Europe at 25.3%.
As one of the world's most economically significant agricultural crops, tobacco is a general term given to products prepared from the cured leaves of plants belonging to the Nicotiana genus. India stands behind China and Brazil, as one of the largest producers and exporters of this product. Tobacco consumed in any form poses health risks and complications and affects a large population of passive smokers. The highly addictive alkaloids present in tobacco make it hard to quit. Despite these health issues, the tobacco industry is flourishing due to its economic importance. Tobacco is mainly produced in the states of Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh in India, where the weather is suitable for the crop.