Preventable loss of life A NEW study has found that Indians are more susceptible to the harmful effects of tobacco and that the addiction is set to claim an overwhelming 10 lakh lives a year from 2010. No less a figure than Professor Amartya Sen has called for "immediate public action' to stem deaths from what he rightly calls an "entirely preventable' cause. Researchers conducting the study, the results of which have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have been surprised by the results as Indians start smoking later and smoke less. The reasons are unclear, but doctors have found that Indians already have a high rate of heart and respiratory diseases, and smoking compounds the vulnerability. The study has found that most tobacco addicts die not of cancer, but of diseases like tuberculosis and other respiratory and heart ailments. The Union Health ministry is headed by a minister who has already led anti-smoking initiatives which have been quite controversial. These new findings will perhaps strengthen his hand. In any case, there is broad consensus that the squeeze on smoking in public spaces is a welcome trend and should be enforced strictly. Other measures being contemplated, like large, graphic, "in-your-face' warnings on cigarette packs, will also help. It is also a fact that while cigarette smoking is coming down, consumption of other tobacco products like gutka is on the increase. Effective regulation should be extended to these products as well. Passive smokers are subjected to an assault of toxins on a regular basis in most place. The study has reportedly found that less than two per cent of adult smokers in India quit. Smokers have to be encouraged to quit, the earlier the better. It is here that innovative models have to be developed for any "public action' that is possible. It must be made easier and cheaper to gain access to everything from psychological support to nicotine-substitute products and anti-smoking medication.