LUCKNOW, May 31 -- Tobacco and nicotine industries use different tactics to make their harmful products appear attractive and the greatest public health concern is the growing appeal of tobacco and nicotine products among the youth, said experts while expressing concern over the prevalent practice on the eve of World No Tobacco Day. "World No Tobacco Day" is observed every May 31 and this year's theme is "Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products". The objective of this year's observance is to expose the tobacco and nicotine industries' tactics to attract young people. The experts further stated industries add external substances and additives to enhance the flavour and aroma of these products to increase their appeal among young people, leading to addiction. They further stated that the marketplace is also glamorised, and extensive use is made of social and digital media to promote these products. The city-based Oncologist Dr Vivek Malhotra explained that tobacco chewing and smoking both are equally harmful, and its long-term use can cause around 25 different diseases and nearly 40 types of cancer, including oral, throat, lung, prostate, stomach cancers and brain tumours. Other associated conditions include bronchitis, acidity, tuberculosis, heart attacks, paralysis, impotence, migraines, headaches, premature graying of hair, impaired blood circulation, blood pressure issues, shortness of breath, and disruptions in daily bodily functions. He said both smoking and chewing tobacco are quite common in northern states like UP and Bihar. He further stated over 80% of oral cancer cases are linked to tobacco use and India ranks highest in oral cancer incidence globally. Dr Ved Prakash, HOD of pulmonary and critical care medicine at KGMU, said tobacco use in any form is injurious to health and the public should be educated about the risks of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting it. "We should collectively supporting the policies which promote public health and reduce tobacco consumption," he emphasised. Dr Surya Kant, department of respiratory medicine, KGMU, highlighted that approximately 12 lakh deaths occur across the country each year due to tobacco and smoking. He explains that bidi smoking is more harmful than cigarette smoking due to lower nicotine content in bidis, individuals addicted to nicotine feel the need to smoke more frequently. During pregnancy, direct or indirect exposure to smoking can result in low birth weight, stillbirth, infant mortality, or congenital diseases in the newborn, he added....