According to the WHO (World Health Organization), smoking is currently one of the leading causes of preventable mortality. And yet, it is a major factor in cardiovascular problems. In the workplace, preventing and combating tobacco use not only offers compelling health benefits but also socioeconomic advantages. To understand these risks, it is necessary to understand the various risks associated with tobacco use in the workplace. Here are a few:
For the smoking employee
Active smoking poses various risks to smokers and causes several health problems for them. The most serious are cancers. Indeed, despite long-term tobacco consumption, the lungs, mouth, throat, lips, kidneys, bladder, pancreas, esophagus, uterus, and breasts could suffer and eventually develop cancerous cells. It is therefore necessary to find out about the price of an electronic cigarette vaporizer in France to reduce or even stop smoking.
There are also cardiovascular diseases. It should be noted that smoking is one of the main risk factors for myocardial infarction. Strokes, aneurysms, chronic bronchitis, high blood pressure, and lower limb arteritis could all result from smoking. Over the years, smokers can also suffer from respiratory failure and chronic respiratory diseases, as well as emphysema.
Other conditions such as gastritis, psoriasis, eczema, lupus, peptic ulcers, type II diabetes, periodontitis, ENT and dental infections, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration) and gum disease causing tooth loss and loosening, are also conditions that could be linked to smoking or be aggravated by it.
For passive smokers
Inhaling the smoke released by smokers can also cause illnesses in workers in the vicinity. This is called secondhand smoke. The risks are especially high for those who work in places that do not have designated smoking areas or are enclosed.
All of the diseases mentioned above can then affect workers who do not smoke directly.
For the employer
Smoking is a costly scourge for employers. Because it causes absenteeism despite sick leave, the company accumulates losses over time.
In addition, it weakens employees’ health and therefore their ability to work. This then reduces their productivity.
In addition, there are also costs associated with smoking facilities. Employers must make special arrangements, and this represents a significant expense not only for the purchase of the equipment but also for its maintenance.
For all these reasons, employers are encouraged to promote workplace tobacco control programs. This involves not only implementing strict regulations but also considering support and awareness-raising solutions to encourage smoking cessation.
