title: Results of survey for assessing awareness level regarding radiological hazards of tobacco smoking.
abstract: Human consumption of tobacco is as old as human history. However, injurious health effects due to tobacco smoking may not be evident to the public at large. This article presents results of a questionnaire based on a survey carried out in the metropolitan city of Lahore of Pakistan with an aim to understand the awareness level of the general population about the radiological hazards associated with tobacco smoking. Some 3600 participants from different educational backgrounds from all segments of the society participated in this survey. Analysis of the data collected concluded that the awareness level of the representative participants regarding the radiological hazards associated with tobacco smoking was alarmingly poor. These results suggest that a nationwide mass media campaign may be launched by the government authorities in Health and Environment departments to enlighten the general public in this respect to avoid tobacco-smoking-associated health risks.
authors.affiliation: Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Department, Government of the Punjab, Poonch House, Lahore, Pakistan. snatahir@cyber.net.pk
authors.forename: S N A
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Tahir
mesh_terms: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D001364:Awareness; D003625:Data Collection; D004522:Educational Status; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010154:Pakistan; D011832:Radiation Injuries; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive