Tobacco causing harm to human race

Huni-Valley (W/R), June 17, GNA) - A nurse has described the tobacco industry as the greatest killing organisation in the world. She said the harm caused by all the terrorists in the world combined would not equal the damage inflicted upon human race by tobacco.

Madam Elsie Kissi-Appiah, a public health purse at Wassa West Directorate of the Ghana Health Service, said this at a forum to sensitize the public on the effects of tobacco use. Organised by Network for Community Planning and Development (NECPAD) at Huni-Valley, the forum brought together school children, parents, teachers, as well as members of the community. Madam Kissi-Appiah said women who smoked were susceptible to cervical cancer and miscarriage.

She said smoking could lead to infertility and complications during pregnancy will increase the risk of low weight and future ill health of babies.

Mr. Paul Asamoah Kukwa, Executive Director, NECPAD, said each year exposure to cigarette smoke causes large segment of passive and non-smokers to die of lung cancer and make a lot of children suffer from lower respiratory-tract infections. 17 June 07