Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (JP/SP)
Mangalore, Jun 12: Globalization has indirectly speeded up the number and intensity of tobacco related tragedies, noted Manipal University former vice chancellor, Prof B M Hegde.
Prof Hegde informed that the quantity of nicotin found is 10 times higher in the genetically engineered (GE) varieties of tobacco, as compared to the tobacco grown in natural conditions. The world's largest tobacco producing company operating in South America has been exporting its products manufactured by using GE tobacco to India, contributing to increased health hazards here, he explained.
Speaking on the ill effects of tobacco consumption at the government Industrial Training Institute in the city on Monday June 9, Hegde said smoking causes and acts as catalyst in miseries like Alzheimers disease by killing brain cells, cardiac arrest by blocking blood vessels, ulcer by intensifying acidity apart from giving rise to liver problems and different types of cancer that damage various parts of the body, besides contributing to other forms of health complications.
Tobacco also is a known culprit in causing impotence and reduced sperm count among males, while it damages ovaries in females. Smoking also adversely affects embryos resulting in physical and mental deformities among the newborn children, he warned.
Hegde expressed serious concern about the fact that the present day youth is getting more and more attracted towards cigarettes smoking, which they feel, adds a glamourous touch to their lifestyle. Smoking is increasingly becoming common even among women in Bangalore and other metropolitan cities, he regretted.
The seminar was organized by the directorate of field publicity and government ITI, Kadri Hills as part of the World Anti-Tobacco Day.
Akashvani news division retired joint director Prof B Krishnananda Hegde, ITI principal, trainer M Shivappa, field publicity officer T B Nanjundaswamy and others were present on the occasion.