Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority's community service arm 'Auwn' organized a lecture each on the 'ill-effects' of smoking at the Authority's main office in the capital and branch office in Al Ain.

Dr. Rajeh Al Fahel of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Preventive Medicine delivered the lectures, explaining the health hazards caused by smoking and passive smoking. At the end of the lectures, employees were given free tests for carbon monoxide levels in their bodies.

Dr. Rajeh pointed out that public health was not the sole responsibility of the Health Authority, but of each and every member of the society. "24-35% of people in Abu Dhabi are smokers. The rate of obesity in the country is 33%. It is the second most diabetes-affected country in the world. All these frightening statistics emphasize the need to put an end to the habit of smoking, which increases the chances of people being inflicted with fatal diseases such as cancer," he exhorted. 

Dr. Rajeh was honored by the Authority for his cooperation with its community service initiatives to fight smoking.