Production And Sales Of Tobacco Must Be Made Illegal
Production And Sales Of Tobacco Must Be Made Illegalintroductiontobacc
Production and sales of tobacco must be made illegal Introduction Tobacco smoking is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world with the number of deaths exceeding 1.2 million yearly. It is also the major risk factor in the cause of other non-communicable diseases such as cancers and can also lead to brain damage. Some researchers also say that tobacco causes low birth weight in the new born babies and also some growth disorders are witnessed from children whose mothers are smokers. It can also cause impotence, barrenness and even premature birth in women.
Reasons why sales and production of tobacco should be made illegal Tobacco is the leading cause of death with total mortality amounting to over 1.2 million annually all over the world. The introduction of policies against the production and sales of tobacco will cause a reduced number of deaths and many lives will be saved globally and this will not only increase the life expectancy but also the quality of life of the individuals. According to the Centre of Disease Control (CDC) in the United States alone 41,000 deaths annually results from second hand smoke exposure which mean that they are not even directly exposed but are affected by the nicotine filled environment which causes their deaths, all this can be avoided by banning of the sale and production of tobacco. Tobacco is also a major risk factor in the deadly diseases such as cancer as it is a predisposing factor in many cancers such as lung, larynx, mouth, throat, pancreas, colon, liver stomach, kidney cancer among many others.
It also causes the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. In addition to all these diseases, smoking is also a risk factor to tuberculosis, eye diseases and also some problems of the immune system which later causes death or disability. It is also a major risk factor more so to the expectant mothers as it affects the baby’s development and can cause issues such as preterm births, low birth weight, birth defects of the mouth and lip such as the cleft lip and also increases the risks of the infant death syndrome among unborn babies. The children of the smoking mothers are also likely to develop the brain damage conditions such as the cerebral palsy among other issues.
It is therefore evident that by quitting smoking by the expectant mothers, the general health status of the baby will be improved and also the good brain development of the child assured. Conclusion In summary, by eradication of tobacco use we would increase the quality of life and also improve the life expectancy by far. The premature deaths of new born babies will also be reduced by great length and also the brain development and growth will be quick. Following these reasons, production and sales of tobacco should be made illegal.
Paper For Above instruction
The global health community recognizes tobacco use as one of the most significant preventable causes of death and disease worldwide. Despite widespread awareness of its health risks, tobacco production and sales continue in many countries, contributing to millions of preventable deaths annually. This essay advocates for the complete criminalization of tobacco production and sales, emphasizing its profound health impacts, economic costs, and societal effects. Implementing a total ban on tobacco would serve as a pivotal step toward enhancing public health outcomes, reducing healthcare burdens, and fostering societal well-being.
Firstly, the health ramifications of tobacco are well-documented and severe. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is responsible for over 8 million deaths each year globally, including both primary and secondhand smoke exposure (WHO, 2021). It is a primary contributor to non-communicable diseases such as lung cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke (WHO, 2021). The carcinogenic chemicals present in tobacco smoke damage vital organs and genetic materials, precipitating a host of chronic illnesses that diminish quality and expectancy of life. Moreover, the detrimental effects extend beyond active smokers; secondhand smoke exposes vulnerable populations—children, pregnant women, and the elderly—to harmful toxins, leading to increases in respiratory infections, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and developmental issues in children (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020).
Secondly, the economic costs associated with tobacco are staggering. The WHO reports that tobacco-related diseases impose an enormous financial burden on healthcare systems, with direct medical costs estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars annually (WHO, 2021). These costs encompass hospitalizations, treatments, and lost productivity due to illness and premature death. For instance, in the United States alone, smoking-related illnesses account for over $300 billion annually in direct medical costs and lost productivity (CDC, 2020). These economic impacts divert resources from other critical health services and public investments, hampering broader societal development.
Thirdly, societal consequences of tobacco consumption extend into social and environmental domains. Tobacco cultivation is often associated with deforestation, pollution, and exploitation of labor. Furthermore, cigarette litter is a significant environmental pollutant, contributing to pollution of waterways and urban areas (Shan et al., 2021). The addictive nature of nicotine compounds the societal burden, leading to sustained use despite knowledge of health risks, and fostering intergenerational cycles of addiction that undermine social stability and productivity (WHO, 2021). Therefore, eliminating tobacco sales and production would disrupt these adverse social and environmental effects, fostering healthier communities and ecosystems.
Implementing a comprehensive ban on tobacco production and sales would face challenges, including illicit trade and economic interests of the tobacco industry. However, successful examples from countries like Australia, Norway, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that strong regulatory frameworks, public education campaigns, and international cooperation can effectively reduce tobacco consumption and promote public health (Hummel et al., 2020). These countries have implemented strict laws, high taxes, and public awareness initiatives that resulted in significant declines in tobacco use, even achieving near-eradication in some cases. These models suggest that with political will and societal commitment, a global shift toward illegality of tobacco could be both feasible and beneficial.
In conclusion, the overwhelming health hazards, economic costs, and societal burdens stemming from tobacco justify its complete illegality. Banning production and sales would prevent millions of deaths, reduce healthcare expenditure, and foster healthier environments. Constituting a decisive policy shift, criminalizing tobacco aligns with global health priorities aimed at reducing preventable mortality and promoting sustainable development. The implementation of such measures requires international cooperation, robust legal frameworks, and public education but promises immense benefits for current and future generations.
References
- Hummel, J., Jih, H. T., Lacy, N., & McDonald, P. (2020). Evaluating tobacco control policies: Lessons from Australia, Norway, and the UK. Journal of Public Health Policy, 41(2), 123-135.
- Shan, Q., Wang, X., & Zhou, T. (2021). Environmental impacts of cigarette waste: A systematic review. Environmental Pollution, 268, 115702.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Smoking and tobacco use: Health consequences. CDC Publications.
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2021). WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic 2021: Addressing new and emerging products. WHO, Geneva.