The tobacco in the labor environment

literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Smoking is a public health problem because of its high prevalence and its serious consequences at all levels. Advances in tobacco control in Brazil can be verified in the reduction of prevalence in the last two decades. Smoking poses a heavy economic burden around the world, particularly in Europe and North America, where the tobacco epidemic is most advanced. Cessation of smoking plays a crucial role in reducing avoidable morbidity and mortality and is a recognized public health issue in many countries. Objective: To evaluate, through a literature review study, the impact of smoking on the work environment and the importance of smoking cessation programs. Methodology: Integrative review of the literature, through scientific articles published in Portuguese or English, from 2012 to 2017. Results: The sample culminated in 24 scientific articles for final analysis. Of these, 91% (22) in the Pubmed databases 4.1% (1) in the VHL and 4.1% (1) in Pubmed / VHL duplication. Conclusion: Smoking causes a great financial impact for the countries and also for the working environment, as well as the expenses with associated diseases and pensions due to early deaths caused. Smoking affects the economically active population and especially the male population. It causes absenteeism, productive loss, risky lifestyle, consumption of alcohol among other deleterious factors. The most effective smoking cessation programs are those that prohibit smoking in the workplace and provide medical advice, and the work environment is the ideal place as it reaches a large number of workers. Interventions should therefore focus on changing the attitudes and habits of smokers in relation to the problem with the combination of initiatives such as health education and surveillance for possible interventions.