The Faculty of Economics and Political Science at October 6 University, in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy, organized an awareness seminar on the dangers of smoking and electronic cigarettes. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to promote health awareness among students and the university community.
Professor Samir Othman commenced the seminar by highlighting the health risks associated with traditional smoking. He explained that cigarettes contain nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide—substances that cause serious diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory infections. He emphasized that smoking not only harms the smoker but also affects those around them through passive smoking, which increases the incidence of respiratory illnesses among non-smokers. Additionally, he conducted a practical demonstration for the students to illustrate the negative effects of smoking in an experiential manner.
Following this, Dr. Saadullah Nadi addressed electronic cigarettes, noting that they are not a safe alternative as commonly advertised. He pointed out that they contain chemicals that can lead to lung damage, addiction, and serious cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, he mentioned the presence of glycerin in these products, which can cause numerous health issues, with infertility being one of the most notable.
*Recommendations:*
- Cease smoking in all its forms to avoid health risks.
- Raise awareness about the harms of smoking among youth, especially in universities.
- Provide cessation support programs within educational institutions.
- Strengthen laws to limit the spread of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.