Alcohol is a major cause of death among the population in Switzerland, Swiss Radio International quoted a study as saying on Thursday. (File photo)

    GENEVA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Alcohol is a major cause of death -- in many cases premature -- among the population in Switzerland, Swiss Radio International quoted a study as saying on Thursday.

    The study, carried out by Zurich University, shows that alcohol is responsible for 5.2 percent of all deaths among men, and 1.4 percent among women in Switzerland.

    In 2002, the year when latest statistics were available, alcohol consumption led to 3,500 deaths in the small Alpine country, with men twice as likely as women to be affected.

    Alcohol also accounts for a large number of premature deaths in the country. Drinking is estimated to reduce Swiss men's life expectancy, which is currently 78.7 years, by more than one tenth and women's by half as much, the study says.

    The study's authors suggested increasing taxes on alcohol as one possible remedy to the problem, as well as banning or limiting sales of alcoholic beverages to youngsters at certain events.