Teenager Smoking in Iran Surges by 133 Percent

Smoking rates among girls aged 12 to 15 have surged by 133 percent, Mohammad Reza Masjedi, Secretary-General of the Iranian Anti-Tobacco Association said Wednesday. 

The findings have raised concerns over the growing trend of tobacco use among younger Iranians.

According to Masjedi, the overall increase in smoking among women in the country has surpassed 70 percent. 

"In total, approximately 20 to 22 percent of Iranian men and less than 4 percent of Iranian women are tobacco users," said Masjedi.

He emphasized that the adverse effects of smoking often emerged years after use, saying, "The consequences of smoking become evident 15 to 20 years later." 

This week, Iranian parliamentarians approved an amendment to the 7th Development Plan bill which include a significant increase in taxes on tobacco products such as cigarettes and tobacco.