Tangerang Health Office: Children Exposed To Cigarette Smoke Are At Risk Of Experiencing Organ Damage

Illustration - A number of children play in the area without cigarettes Taman Tongkeng, Bandung, West Java, Wednesday (5/1/2022). (photo; dock. ANTARA)

Tangerang - Tangerang City Health Office, Banten, stated that children exposed to cigarette smoke are at risk of various health problems to damage to developing organs. The Head of Disease Prevention and Control at the Tangerang City Health Office, dr. Hermayani, emphasized this danger on Saturday, June 1 in connection with the commemoration of World No Tobacco Day.

Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 harmful chemicals, including nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. Exposure to these substances can cause damage to the growing organs of the body," said dr. Hermayani.

World No Tobacco Day is celebrated every May 31 to raise public awareness of the dangers of using tobacco and cigarettes, especially among children and adolescents. Dr. Hermayani emphasized the importance of protecting the younger generation from the dangers of tobacco and smoking.

"The bad effects of tobacco on physical health, mental development, and the risk of serious illness make smoking prevention a top priority," he said.

Dr. Hermayani explained that tobacco contains many harmful chemicals that can damage all body systems. Tobacco smoke contains toxic chemicals such as lead, arrest, and carbon monoxide that can damage organs in the human body.

Smoking during childhood and adolescents can cause a variety of serious health problems. Children who smoke are more susceptible to an increase in the number and severity of respiratory diseases, a decrease in physical fitness, as well as potential problems in the growth and function of the lungs.

In addition, nicotine in cigarettes can cause addiction within days of the first use. Nikotin is as addictive as cocaine or heroin, making it very difficult to stop after addiction," he added.

World Tobaccoless Day is an important momentum to raise awareness of the dangers of smoking and encourage preventive measures so that the younger generation avoids the health risks posed by tobacco.