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Russia ranks first in the world in tobacco consumption
Last reviewed: 30.06.2025
Up to half a million Russian citizens die every year from diseases caused by smoking, doctors say.
"In total, 43.9 million adults smoke in Russia, of which 60.2% are men and 21.7% are women; the average Russian smokes 17 cigarettes a day. Every year, from 350,000 to 500,000 Russian citizens die from diseases associated with tobacco consumption," the press service of Rospotrebnadzor reported on Thursday.
"Russia ranks first in the world in tobacco consumption," Rospotrebnadzor reported, citing research from the World Health Organization.
The report, distributed ahead of World No Tobacco Day, which is celebrated on May 31, states that almost 35% of Russians are exposed to tobacco smoke at work, 90.5% of those who visit bars and almost 80% of those who visit restaurants are forced to inhale tobacco smoke. At the same time, the substances contained in tobacco smoke have toxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic properties.
"The greatest increase in tobacco consumption over the past 5 years - 3 times - has been noted among women, children and teenagers. During pregnancy, more than 40% of women who smoke continue to smoke, which leads to an increase in the number of children born sick, an increase in prematurity and early termination of pregnancy," Rospotrebnadzor reported.
"The promotion of tobacco products on the Russian market and the further increase in the number of its consumers are facilitated by low taxes and prices on tobacco products, active tobacco advertising, low public awareness of the harm of tobacco consumption and the effects of tobacco smoke on humans, and an insufficient level of organization of preventive work and medical care aimed at quitting its use," the department said.
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