ANKARA
Turkey has consumed 16.2 billion fewer cigarettes since the ban on smoking in enclosed areas was introduced in 2008, according to data from the Tobacco and Alcohol Market Regulatory Authority (TAPDK).
TAPDK data shows that the number of cigarettes consumed in Turkey dropped from 107.8 billion in 2008 to 91.7 billion units in 2013 - amounting to a decline of 16.2 billion fewer cigarettes, or a 15 percent decrease in cigarette consumption.
The annual cost of smoking to Turkey's economy was announced at 2.8 billion TL ($1.55 billion dollars) by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security in 2012.
In addition, the ministry reported a further loss of 7 billion TL ($3.88 billion dollars) attributed to tabocco-related diseases.
According to World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco has caused 100 million deaths in the 20th century; if current trends continue, it may cause one billion deaths in the 21st century.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
