The pharmacists can play a leading role in discouraging smoking in the society and take it as a social responsibility to save the mankind from the serious side effects of tobacco, said V Thirumagal, director-patients care and quality assurance, TT Rangarajan Clinical Research Foundation, Chennai.

While talking at the theme session 'Tobacco, its effect and tobacco cessation' organized by the Tamil Nadu branch of Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) in association with Tamil Nadu Pharmaceutical Sciences Welfare Trust and Tamil Nadu Pharmacy Council as part of the 42nd National Pharmacy Week Celebrations, she alerted that while in developed countries consumption of tobacco has come down, there has been a significant rise in consumption of tobacco in the developing countries like India. Thirumagal was delivering a lecture on tobacco usage and its evils, to educate and create awareness among members of the respective associations.

Creating awareness about various toxicities contained in tobacco, she said that out of the 4000 chemicals that are found in tobacco, 43 are carcinogenic. "The pharmacists should make the society aware of the health risks for the smoker, withdrawal symptoms, medications available for cessation of tobacco etc," she added.

A Krishnadev, president, IPA-Tamil Nadu presided over the function, which was well attended by members. S Lakshminarayanan, secretary of IPA, Tamil Nadu branch, proposed vote of thanks.