For the first time in nearly two decades, the number of smokers in Brazil has increased, breaking the country’s historical downward trend.
According to a survey released by the Ministry of Health, the proportion of adult smokers in Brazilian capitals jumped from 9.3 percent in 2023 to 11.6 percent in 2024 – a 25 percent increase in one year.
The data has reignited concerns among health authorities. For family and community doctor Felipe Bruno da Cunha, the increase may be related to the popularity of new products – such as electronic cigarettes, which particularly attract younger people.
“In the last decade, we have seen a significant increase [in the number of smokers], mainly due to electronic cigarettes, or vapes. This adds to other types of cigarettes, such as straw cigarettes,” he observed.
The World Health Organization considers tobacco use a pandemic, as it is the leading cause of preventable death in the world, with around 8 million deaths per year.
Dr. Cunha highlighted that more than 50 types of diseases can be caused by tobacco use, mainly cardiovascular and respiratory, in addition to around 10 types of cancer.
“There are numerous risks associated with tobacco use, not only chemical dependence, but also physical complications,” he stated.
Source: Agência Brasil