Close to 45,000 annual deaths from tobacco use in Argentina

By Bala Chambers

LONDON (AA) - Argentina's Federation of Cardiology (FAC) reported Tuesday on World No Tobacco Day that 44,851 die annually in the Latin American nation from cardiovascular issues related to tobacco consumption.

Despite a downward trend in tobacco consumption in recent years, Argentina continues to have one of the highest figures of adult consumption across Latin America at 22%, with most users beginning to smoke around the age of 12 - 15, according to the FAC.

It said it is concerned about electronic cigarettes which are consumed by more than 1% of Argentina's population.

The FAC described it as "an emerging trend, especially among the younger generations" and cautioned about its use, warning "they are not a harmless alternative and there is a debate if it is generating new addicts."

The FAC said it wants to pushback against apparent low consumption figures which may appear "innocuous" and instead offered a series of guidelines to help end the vice by using water consumption, physical exercise to specific breathing exercises.

The mixing of cigarettes and alcohol was also advised against and instead the FAC said using substitute cigarettes with items like fruit, sweets or chewing gum to avoid nicotine withdrawal.

Today, cigarette use kills more than 8 million worldwide and it harms the environment and health, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).​​​​​​​

World No Tobacco Day takes place around the world every May 31 with efforts typically focusing on educating people about the dangers posed by tobacco consumption, commercial practices of tobacco companies and efforts by the WHO to combat associated health issues.