[Measures to reduce the prevalence of tobacco dependence]

In 1977, the American Cancer Society established the International No Smoking Day on the third Thursday of November. It has been celebrated in Russia since 1992. According to a WHO report, 100 million people died from smoking in the 20th century worldwide. In the 21st century, smoking will be responsible for 1 billion deaths as predicted by the WHO. Passive smoking globally takes thousands of lives. It increases the risk of lung cancer and coronary heart and lung diseases. The severest consequences of smoking are observed in children. According to the WHO data, smoking is among the first four key causes of the losses of healthy years of life. International experience shows that an increase in the prices of and taxes on tobacco products is one of the most effective components of a comprehensive national tobacco use control policy.