# Health risks of tobacco and electronic cigarette use

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/health-risks-of-tobacco-and-electronic-cigarette-use
> Updated: 2026-09-30T08:29:17.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

Medical experts have issued warnings regarding the severe health risks associated with tobacco and electronic cigarette use.

Cardiology expert Associate Professor Cafer Panç noted that smoking can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by two to four times due to vascular damage and inflammation. Global statistics indicate that tobacco consumption is responsible for approximately 7 million deaths per year out of 20 million annual cardiovascular deaths.

Furthering these warnings, Professor Esengül Koçak stated that tobacco use increases lung cancer risk by 15 to 20 times. Koçak highlighted that tobacco products contain over 7,000 harmful substances, including approximately 70 known carcinogens, which can cause DNA damage and lead to various cancers. The research also emphasizes that electronic cigarettes and passive smoking pose significant risks to both users and non-smokers.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Tobacco use increases lung cancer risk by up to 20 times

Experts report that tobacco use increases lung cancer risk by 15-20 times due to over 7,000 harmful substances and approximately 70 known carcinogens that cause DNA damage.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tobacco-use-increases-lung-cancer-risk-by-up-to-20-times

### 2026-09-24: Smoking increases heart attack and stroke risk by up to four times

Experts warn that smoking and electronic tobacco products can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke by up to four times, causing significant vascular damage and inflammation.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/smoking-increases-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk-by-up-to-four-times

---
Cite as: Health risks of tobacco and electronic cigarette use. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/health-risks-of-tobacco-and-electronic-cigarette-use