It was introduced by the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 1977.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), half of all tobacco smokers die from smoking-related diseases.

Russia tops the list of the world’s nations with the most smokers. It has 44 million smokers, or nearly 44% of its population.

The government is considering tougher anti-smoking measures, including a ban on tobacco advertising and a ban on smoking in public places.

Voice of Russia, RIA