On Monday, October 6, 2025, a group of fourth-year students from the Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis at Cihan University–Erbil visited Barz Private High School to conduct a health awareness activity titled: Smoking: Its Types and Consequences.
The university students, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Hawri Fatih, Head of the Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis, were warmly received by Mr. Rasti Ghafur, the school principal. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ghafur commended the students for promoting cooperation between higher education institutions and schools.
Following the reception, Salih Shwan, a student from the Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis, presented the seminar in the school hall. He clearly described the various forms of smoking, including conventional cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, heated tobacco products (IQOS), and electronic cigarettes (vapes). Salih Shwan emphasized that all these products contain more than 7,000 toxic chemical substances, such as nicotine, tar, formaldehyde, lead, and carbon monoxide. He scientifically explained the harmful effects of these substances on overall health, particularly on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, noting that they reduce oxygen levels in the blood, destroy lung and heart cells, alter brain chemistry, and cause genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk of cancer.
In another part of his presentation, addressing the high school students, Salih Shwan clarified that electronic cigarettes are not a safe alternative. He explained that vaping causes oxidative stress, DNA damage, and weakens the immune system.
The seminar concluded with practical advice on quitting all forms of smoking, emphasizing the importance of adopting a smoke-free lifestyle to protect both general and biochemical health.
