Every year on May 31, the World Health Organization (WHO) marks World No Tobacco Day to spread awareness about the dangers of tobacco use.
In the past three years, the number of Poles admitting to smoking cigarettes has grown and now stands at 29 percent, according to the latest data.
Many hoped that the number of smokers in the country would decrease after Poland in 2010 banned smoking in public places in an effort to protect citizens against exposure to tobacco smoke.
Initially, the ban led to a significant drop in tobacco use and an increased number of people quitting the habit.
But now experts are sounding the alarm that the trend has reversed, due to factors such as COVID-19 lockdowns.
A recent survey by Polish state news agency PAP shows that many smokers are still being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Among the many ideas floated during debates in Poland on the risks from smoking on World No Tobacco Day was a ban on the sale of cigarettes to anyone under 21 years.
Four countries have introduced such bans as part of the Project Tobacco 21 initiative recommended by the European Respiratory Society.
Evidence shows that raising the age-of-sale of tobacco products to 21 years has resulted in decreased youth tobacco prevalence and delayed smoking initiation, according to reports.
Experts advocate the introduction of such legislation because young people are more vulnerable and susceptible to various kinds of addiction.
Tobacco not only affects people's health, with the warnings clearly listed on every pack of cigarettes, but it also impacts the environment, while tobacco farming leads to acute food insecurity, according to the WHO.
The theme of this year's World No Tobacco Day is "Grow Food, Not Tobacco."
(ab/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP, naukawpolsce.pl
Click on the audio player above to listen to a report by Radio Poland's Agnieszka Bielawska.