§ The World Health Organization (WHO) says Lebanon has one of the higest smoking rates in the world.
§ In a nation of less than 4 million people, we have not less than 3,000 tobacco-related deaths every year.
§ It is a sad misconception that the water-pipe is less harmful than the cigarette. On the contrary, it leads to much higher rates of mouth, throat, and stomach cancer, according to a study made by the American University of Beirut.
§ WHO estimates that about half of Lebanese adults smoke, yet the figure might be higher.
§ A 2001 Global Youth Survey found that Lebanon has the highest rate of smoking among school children in the Middle East.
§ Around 65% of children between the ages 13-15 smoke either cigarettes or the water-pipe, estimated by the Lebanese ministry.
§ In Lebanon, there is no minimum age to buy cigarettes.
Reference:
Elwazer, S. (2009, November 16). A smoke-free lebanon: reality or pipedream?. Retrieved from http://edition/.cnn.com/2009/world/meast/11/16/lebanon.smoking.ban/index.html.
Loved your blog youssef . I completely agree with you and I hope something is done about it asap its very frustrating not to able to do anything radical that would make a difference FAST .
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