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Just a couple of decades ago, restaurants, parks, public spaces, and offices used to be filled with cigarette smoke. Since then, smoke-free spaces in the United States have increased, much to the relief of non-smokers.
In addition, taxes on tobacco products have gone up while bans have been placed on their direct advertising and marketing. Yet, tobacco use continues in the US and across the world.
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A Killer Habit
Around the world, smoking caused around 8 million deaths in 2019. In the US, it kills approximately 480,000 people each year, including passive smokers. The smoke inhaled by passive smokers is a carcinogen and an environmental pollutant.
Not only that, but tobacco farming also has a major environmental impact. The farming, production, and transport of cigarettes lead to significant greenhouse emissions.
Health Risks Of Tobacco
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The packages of cigarettes feature damaged lungs. Tobacco products carry a cancer warning label. But these are not the only damages that tobacco causes to the human body. It also increases the risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.
Smoking also puts an individual at risk from tuberculosis, chronic bronchitis, and even eye diseases. Smoking is the worst form of tobacco as it involves inhaling the smoke directly into the lungs.
A person who chews tobacco can get cancer of the mouth or oesophagus. Smoking also damages the skin, causing wrinkles and making you look older.
What Is Currently Banned?
The US Food and Drug Administration has moved to ban menthol cigarettes and flavoured cigars. Other flavoured cigarettes were banned in 2009, and the use of flavoured cigars increased subsequently.
Flavoured cigarettes appeal to the youth and first-time users, who are then more likely to move to regular cigarettes. E-cigarettes, which also contain nicotine, are popular amongst the youth. Given the health risks of tobacco, banning just flavoured products is not enough.
Why A Blanket Ban?
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One may argue that a complete ban goes against the freedom of choice of an individual. But tobacco is an addictive substance, and some users are unable to quit even if they wish to.
An overall ban by the US will not just save the coming generation from the health risks posed by tobacco, but it will also help the environment by discouraging tobacco farming.
The US government will save healthcare costs, and the global carbon footprint will go down.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should tobacco products be banned?
Tobacco poses serious health risks like heart disease, lung and mouth cancer, diabetes, and stroke. The production of cigarettes also leaves a global carbon footprint.
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Should smoking be banned in the United States?
A study has projected that a complete ban on public smoking in the US can prevent 154,000 heart attacks every year.
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What are the pros and cons of smoking?
Smoking may give users a kick, but it is addictive and causes long-term health risks.
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Is smoking bad for the environment?
Yes. Cigarette smoke adds to environmental pollution.
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Is vaping less harmful?
E-cigarettes or vapes are equally addictive as they contain nicotine. Youngsters are more likely to get addicted to nicotine.
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