Smoking is one of the most common habits held by people all around the world. Despite its harmful effects to the consumer and the environment as advertized by the product itself, smoking is not easy to let go of by many. In this essay we shall dive into why this is a concerning issue and how to manage it moving forward.
“Smoking causes cancer, Smoking kills”, this is a wide spread slogan acting as the flag-bearer of the anti-smoking campaign. Movies, shows, malls, shops, cigerette packets, and even ex-smokers often use this line to emphasize the catastrophic effects left by smoking on humankind. Moreover, the slogan is proven – with scientific evidence – to be true. Researchers have reiterated the harmful consequences of smoking to the mind, body, and society. Smoking clutters the clean mind and makes it a slave. People get heavily addicted to the substance and can often end up in horrible conditions trying to quit. The contents of cigarettes often contain cancer causing agents and are heavily linked to lung and mouth cancer. The environment is affected by the smoke and being present in the vicinity of a person smoking can inflict the same harmful effects as discussed earlier even if one is not actively smoking. So, smoking is not just harmful to oneself but to the society as well.
I believe the government must realise the severity of the situation and take things into their own hands. Research has shown that the human brain is not completely developed until one is 25. Hence, I believe the legal age for smoking should be increased to 25. Goverments should impose high taxes on tobacco production, sales, and revenue. Additionally, I believe the goods tax on tobacco and related products should be very high that the consumers think multiple times before buying a packet. Spreading public awareness is always a priority in issues like this and should be promoted by public organizations. The government should discourage and impose fines on smoking in public areas and fund research aiming to improve recreational methods and rehabitalization pertaining to smoking.
Smoking is has one of the worst effects on humans and their immediate surroundings. I believe it is high time that necessary steps are take to combat this evil and progress towards a healthier environment.