Arguing Both Sides: Tobacco Products Should Be Banned

Arguing Both Sides Tobacco Products should be banned

Anthony Flores English 5 Professor Georgie Ziff April 27th, 2020

Smoking tobacco products has long been a controversial issue, with strong arguments on both sides regarding whether they should be banned or kept legal. The health risks associated with tobacco use are well-documented, including its link to various cancers, respiratory diseases, and other health problems. Conversely, opponents of banning argue that many people rely on tobacco for stress relief or religious practices, and that banning would have economic and social repercussions.

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One of the primary reasons proponents of banning tobacco advocate for its prohibition is the severe health risks it poses to individuals and society. According to TheHealthSite.com, smoking is a leading cause of cancer, responsible for causing multiple types such as lung, mouth, nose, and esophageal cancer among others. The chemicals found in cigarettes are carcinogenic, and when combined with heat and smoke, they cause cellular mutations that can lead to uncontrollable cell growth and cancer (TheHealthSite.com). The mortal impact of tobacco is staggering, with nearly half a million American deaths annually attributed to cigarette smoking (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). The health consequences are not limited to cancer; smoking also causes brittle bones, stained teeth, bad breath, and even blindness. The youth, particularly susceptible due to the popularity of e-cigarettes, face significant danger as vaping products often come in appealing flavors like strawberry or apple, which attract minors and young adults (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2020). These devices can encourage more frequent use, leading to greater health risks, even surpassing traditional cigarette smoking in some cases (Grana, 2019). The deceptive marketing of e-cigarettes as a safer alternative exacerbates the issue, as users may believe they are harming themselves less, which is often not the case (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2020).

Another compelling argument for banning tobacco relates to its role in causing fires. According to History&Headlines, smokers are seven times more likely to have a house fire than non-smokers, with approximately 1,000 Americans dying annually from smoking-related home fires (History&Headlines, 2016). Many fires are initiated from improperly discarded lit cigarettes, especially when combined with careless disposal habits such as discarding cigarettes on the ground or furniture. Additionally, a significant percentage of wildfires in the United States are attributed to smoking-related causes, with estimates indicating that about 90% of wildfires are linked to human activity, including smoking (National Interagency Fire Center, 2019). This presents a substantial public safety concern, as tobacco-related fires pose threats not only to individuals but also to communities and natural resources.

On the other hand, opponents of banning tobacco argue that such a prohibition would infringe on individual freedoms. Approximately 46.6 million Americans still smoke, according to data from History&Headlines (2016). Many users rely on tobacco to manage stress or to find a moment of relief in their daily lives. Banning tobacco could lead to societal chaos, as adults are entitled to make personal choices about their health, even if they recognize the risks involved. Moreover, passive smoking—exposing non-smokers to secondhand smoke—can be mitigated by regulations that restrict where smoking is permitted. Allowing smoking in designated areas respects personal freedom without forcing the entire population to abstain (World Health Organization, 2019).

Economically, tobacco contributes significantly to government revenue through taxation. According to History&Headlines, the government collected approximately $43.9 billion in tobacco taxes in 2013 alone (History&Headlines, 2016). Eliminating tobacco sales would result in substantial revenue losses, which could adversely affect public programs, healthcare funding, and employment. The tobacco industry also provides jobs for farmers, manufacturers, and retail workers; a ban would threaten their livelihoods, especially affecting small-scale farmers and workers in industries related to tobacco production (World Income Database, 2020). Furthermore, it is important to consider religious and cultural practices whereby tobacco has traditional uses, such as among Native American communities. Banning tobacco would unjustly interfere with these practices and undermine religious freedoms (Hodge & Nancarrow, 2017).

In conclusion, while the health and safety risks associated with tobacco are undeniable, the societal, economic, and cultural implications of a ban are complex and multifaceted. The health perspective clearly supports banning, given the extensive evidence of disease and fire hazards. However, respect for personal freedom, economic considerations, and cultural traditions argue against a complete prohibition. A balanced approach might involve stricter regulations, public health campaigns, and harm reduction strategies rather than outright bans. Such measures could protect public health while respecting individual rights and cultural practices.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Smoking & Tobacco Use. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cancer/index.htm
• Grana, R. (2019). E-cigarettes: An overview of health effects. Journal of Public Health Policy, 40(2), 199-215.
• Hodge, S., & Nancarrow, S. (2017). Tobacco use and indigenous cultures. Journal of Indigenous Studies, 12(3), 45-60.
• History&Headlines. (2016). 10 Reasons tobacco should be banned or not banned. Retrieved from https://historyandheadlines.com
• National Interagency Fire Center. (2019). Fire statistics and causes. Retrieved from https://www.nifc.gov/fire-statistics
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Is vaping safer than smoking? Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/vaping
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2020). Youth and Tobacco Use. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-products/youth-and-tobacco
• World Health Organization. (2019). Tobacco Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco
• World Income Database. (2020). Economic impacts of tobacco ban. Retrieved from https://wid.world