Most cases of COPD are the consequence of smoking. The lung damage is cumulative and permanent and not reversible. Hence, reduction in numbers of smokers can reduce the health consequences and costs. Worldwide, a third of tobacco produced and consumed, and a third of all smokers, reside in China. The economics of cigarette production and consumption need to be modified to dissuade persons from smoking, or the economics of decreased population health will be unacceptable. (http://www.wpro.who.int/china/mediacentre/releases/2014/20141223/en/)
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