# Turkey respiratory health concerns

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-respiratory-health-concerns
> Updated: 2026-08-01T09:00:54.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

In July 2026, Turkish medical experts warned that barbecue smoke releases colourless, odourless toxic gases that can aggravate asthma, trigger chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and raise lung‑cancer risk, urging grilling in well‑ventilated areas.

Later that month, the health ministry linked the nation’s roughly one‑third smoking prevalence to a surge in COPD and lung‑cancer, noting that air‑pollution, bio‑fuel smoke and cooking gases also contribute. Officials called for broader lifestyle changes and highlighted balloon bronchial dilatation as a minimally invasive treatment for severe airway narrowing.

On 26 July, Health Minister Kemal Memişoğlu confirmed that about 34 % of Turks smoke, placing the country second worldwide for lung‑cancer incidence. He reiterated that long‑term exposure to tobacco, pollution and cooking gases drives COPD, and added that obesity, alcohol and unhealthy diets further burden public health.

On 1 August, Prof. Şevket Özkaya reported a sharp rise in lung‑cancer among people under 50, including non‑smokers, and suggested links to chemical exposures from cosmetics and hair dyes. He urged greater public awareness, research into environmental risk factors and preventive measures, expanding the focus beyond tobacco to broader environmental hazards.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-01: Turkey sees rise in lung cancer among young adults

Turkey's Prof. Dr. Şevket Özkaya highlights a sharp rise in lung cancer among people under 50, citing global data and local cases in non‑smokers, and urges research into chemical risk factors.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-sees-rise-in-lung-cancer-among-young-adults

### 2026-07-26: Turkey’s smoking epidemic fuels COPD rise and lung‑cancer risk

Turkey’s health minister says 34% of citizens smoke, ranking the nation second for lung cancer, while a surgeon warns that air pollution and cooking fumes also raise COPD risk and highlights balloon therapy for

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-smoking-epidemic-fuels-copd-rise-and-lungcancer-risk

### 2026-07-11: Turkish experts warn of hidden lung hazards from barbecue smoke

Turkish lung specialist Prof. Dr. Erdoğan Kunter warns that invisible gases from barbecue smoke can trigger asthma, raise COPD and lung‑cancer risk, urging well‑ventilated grilling and limited exposure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-experts-warn-of-hidden-lung-hazards-from-barbecue-smoke

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