UNICAL Professor Underscores Dangers Inherent in Cigarette Smoking

The 4th lecturer of the University of  Calabar, College Lecture Series,  Prof Chibueze Haggai Njoku has underscored the dangers inherent in cigarette smoking while bringing forth the benefits of quitting.

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Prof. Chibueze Njoku pointed out  the dangers  while delivering the 4th College Lecture Series with the theme " The Burden of Cigarette Smoking and the Benefits of Quitting " held at the ASUU Main Auditorium of the institutionHe said the devastating effects of Cigarette Smoking are worrisome to the tune of death stating that there is an economic burden, social and health burden associated with smoking cigarettes.

According to him," Cigarettes are the most littered item on earth and over 1.69 billion pounds of cigarette butts end up in toxic trenches yearly.

"Cigarette-induced fires can cause damages to individuals and government and also result in loss of life

"The burden of pain and suffering caused by smoking-induced illness is alarming. WHO said cigarette smoking takes $ 500 billion every year in health care expenditure, productivity loss, fire damage ($ 27 billion) and other costs.

Prof. Njoku said about 4000 teens start smoking every day to look mature, to be like their friends and to experiment stressing that over  69% of smokers want to leave the habit but may be unsuccessful.

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He said the direct property damage from fires induced by smoking is of concern to everyone, noting that Smoking is a "death sentence in disguise".

The lecture was attended by the Provost, College officials and Academics drawn from the various faculties in the College of Medical Sciences.