There is strong scientific evidence that tobacco is injurious to health. Tobacco is known to contain more than 4,000 chemical substances, out of which more than 50 are carcinogens. Smoking is responsible for 90% of all lung cancer, 75% of chronic bronchitis and emphysema and 25 % of ischaemic heart disease cases. It is harmful both to the smoker and the non-smoker who is exposed to sidestream smoke. In India, it is estimated that around 1000 deaths yearly are directly attributable to the use of tobacco. The economic burden of tobacco use on families cannot be overlooked as money needed for food, health, clothing, housing and other basic necessities of life is often spent on tobacco products. Information remains a key element in confronting the epidemic of tobacco use. It encourages smokers to quit smoking and non-smokers not to take it up. It helps young people to dissipate perceptions such as smoking makes them fashionable, manly and attractive. It also helps people to understand the subtle strategies used by the tobacco industry to influence their behaviour and project a positive public image. Information is a powerful advocacy tool that serves to influence policies for stronger anti-tobacco regulations..
