Tobacco Harm: More Than Common Sense
- SEOUL, South Korea – After a decade of decline, south Korea's smoking rate experienced an uptick in 2023, according to the 2023 National Health and Nutrition survey released...
- The survey indicated that the smoking rate among adult men, which had decreased from 43.2% in 2014 to 32.4% in 2022, rose by 2.4 percentage points...
- The health risks associated with smoking are well-documented.
South Korea’s Smoking Rate Rises Again After Decade of Betterment
SEOUL, South Korea – After a decade of decline, south Korea’s smoking rate
experienced an uptick in 2023, according to the 2023 National Health and
Nutrition survey released in December.
The survey indicated that the smoking rate among adult men, which had
decreased from 43.2% in 2014 to 32.4% in 2022, rose by 2.4 percentage
points in 2023. similarly,the smoking rate among adult women increased by
1.3 percentage points, climbing from 5.7% to 6.3%.
The health risks associated with smoking are well-documented. The World
Health Institution (WHO) estimates that tobacco use causes more than 8
million deaths globally each year.
Research from the Centers for disease Control and Prevention indicates that
in 2022, 72,589 Koreans died directly from smoking-related causes,
resulting in a socio-economic cost of approximately 13.6316 trillion won.
Cigarette smoking,often initiated out of curiosity during adolescence,
can be difficult to quit due to its highly addictive nature and the
potential for severe health consequences.
Furthermore,harmful substances present on smokers’ hair and clothing can
pose a threat to the health of those around them. Children,particularly
those with respiratory sensitivities or skin conditions,are especially
vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Numerous studies have established a link between exposure to tobacco smoke
and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
diseases.
South Korea’s Smoking Rate: what You Need to Know
What’s Happening with Smoking Rates in South Korea?
SEOUL, South Korea – The trend of declining smoking rates in South Korea has reversed. A 2023 National Health and Nutrition survey, published in December, revealed that the smoking rate increased after a decade of betterment.
What Do the Numbers Say?
Men: The smoking rate among adult men rose by 2.4 percentage points in 2023. Smoking rates had decreased from 43.2% in 2014 to 32.4% in 2022.
Women: The smoking rate among adult women increased by 1.3 percentage points, climbing from 5.7% to 6.3%.
When was This Data Released?
The data was released in December 2023 as part of the National Health and Nutrition survey.
what Are the Health Risks Associated with Smoking?
The health risks associated with smoking are well-documented and can be severe. The World Health Association (WHO) estimates that tobacco use causes over 8 million deaths globally each year.
What are the statistics for South Koreans directly impacted by smoking?
In 2022, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 72,589 Koreans died directly from smoking-related causes.
What Are the Socio-Economic Costs?
Smoking-related deaths in 2022 resulted in a socio-economic cost of approximately 13.6316 trillion won.
What Makes Smoking so Addictive?
Smoking is highly addictive, making it challenging to quit. It often begins out of curiosity during adolescence.
Can Secondhand Smoke Harm others?
Yes. Harmful substances from smokers’ hair and clothing can pose a health threat to those around them. Children, especially those with respiratory sensitivities or skin conditions, are particularly vulnerable to secondhand smoke.
What Diseases Are Linked to Smoking?
Numerous studies have shown a link between tobacco smoke exposure and an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Key Data Summary
| Year | Men’s Smoking Rate | Women’s smoking Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 43.2% | Not specified |
| 2022 | 32.4% | 5.7% |
| 2023 | Increased by 2.4 percentage points | Increased by 1.3 percentage points |