Smoking as a Global Issue - Essay Example

Smoking is badly affecting the society and steps need to be taken to solve this problem.

Before the harmful effects of smoking were understood, the stigma attached to this issue did not exist. With awareness and knowledge, it was understood that smoking posed health hazards for the smokers and the nonsmokers. Passive smoking is destroying the normal functions of the bodies of nonsmokers and this is unjust. Smoking in public places can cause nonsmokers to passively smoke and some asthmatic patients can have a triggered asthmatic attack because of it (National Health Survey 1994). Similarly, patients who are already suffering from fatal diseases would be triggered by this tobacco smoke if they are exposed to it highly as reported by the CDC (Washington Post 2004). Every human life in this world is precious and they have the right they should not to be exposed to carcinogens that would affect their health if this ban on smoking does not take place then these individuals will be exposed to the carcinogens of cigarettes (U.S Department of Health and Human Services).

Smoking is a global issue that needs to be dealt with. In developing countries where the the literacy rate is low, people are more addicted to smoking,g and hence their behavior towards their relatives, education, society,y and future changes. With the adverse effects on health, they also face mental sickness. To decrease the rate of smoking many countries are taking necessary steps Bishop and Yoo (1985) declared that a surgeon’s general report in 1964, regarding the knowledge of severe health effects of smoking, showed a diminution in cigarette sales. Before the provision of this report, taxes fixed on cigarettes were intended just to raise the revenue on the sale of cigarettes. However, after the provision of the Surgeon General’s report, the taxes fixed on cigarettes had the additional purpose of discouraging cigarette smoking (Meier & Licari, 1997).

Increasing the number of taxes on cigarettes as well as the implementation of bans can prove to be useful for discouraging smokers from smoking and this fact has been proven as many smokers have quit smoking following these regulations. On the other hand,d proper education regarding the harmful effects of smoking among certain age groups can also prove to reduce the number of non-smokers from smoking. The daily news reporter quoted in the year 2008 that the ban on smoking had led to 400000 people quitting smoking in England. A survey in Sweden also indicated the fact that the easy availability of cigarettes should be restricted as this might also prove to be helpful for the reduction in the number of smokers as well as a subsequent reduction in the number of passive smokers (Landes 2008). Read More