The Pros And Cons Of Smoking

2015 Words5 Pages

Smoking tobacco in the cigarette form was extremely popular in the early part of the 20th century. Many people joined in the popular habit, got addicted, and had no fear of the future consequences or health concerns. Many people were under the impression that smoking was good for their bodies, and were unaware of the unhealthy side affects that cigarette smoking caused. Some famous people like Walt Disney, Ty Cobb, and Babe Ruth all were killed from their love of tobacco. Soon enough more and more cases of lung, throat, and mouth cancers began popping up all over the place, but people were reluctant to blame their beloved tobacco. It wasn’t until 1964 when Surgeon General Luther Terry stated that smoking causes lung cancer in people who smoke and inhale the fumes, that perceptions on smoking began to change. Since the findings of the Surgeon General, there has been an on going battle between pro-smoking, and anti-smoking groups over the rights of smokers. As the non smoking movement is growing at a rapid pace, and smoking bans have been ruled to not violate the 1st Amendment. In the last decade we have banned smoking in almost all public areas from bars and restaurants, offices, malls, and living quarters. The smoking bans are one effective way to abolish smoking, but it fails to address the major component in smoking; addiction to nicotine, and the psychological effect it has on users. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to end smoking. This is because treatment plans have such a small level of success. Medical treatment such as prescription medication often have more side effects than positive effects for the user. But one product has been making huge gains in the fight to quit tobacco, and that is the electronic cigarette...

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...garette is harmful to the user, and bystanders around the user. Although, the vapor in eCigarettes was confirmed to not pose a threat to the user or anyone around, there are still holes in the study. The study didn’t include the effects of nicotine on the user, because they were ingesting it intentionally. According to many studies nicotine when ingested other than smoking has been shown to be low risk and without any disease causing potential. But, just like other stimulants like caffeine it may carry a slight risk of causing heart attacks, and strokes. Electronic cigarettes, tobacco substitutes, and nicotine replacement therapy products carry some risks. It was concluded that any risk from nicotine is so low, that it is similar to everyday hazards like drinking coffee, or nutrient deficient food, and it is extremely less risk than smoking tobacco altogether.

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