Debate on Whether Cigarette Smoking Should be Made Illegal (Essay Sample)

Should Cigarettes be Made Illegal?
Student
Institution
Should Cigarettes be Made Illegal?
Cigarette smoking is one of the oldest deadly habits in the human civilisation. It is one of the most avertable lifestyle habits that affect the human health. There are several benefits that are associated with the industry such as employment opportunities for the workers and the farmers; as well as in the supply chain networks. The disadvantages of smoking far outweigh the above advantages. As a result of this, several steps have been put in place aimed at discouraging smoking and as well the smoking impacts to the third parties. Debates as to whether it should be made illegal have been on for years. In this paper, we shall demonstrate why cigarette smoking should be made illegal (Shahab & West, 2010).
People indulge in smoking for various reasons unaware of the health risks that associated with the habit. They indulge while young as a sign of rebellion or peer pressure. Owing to the addictive nature of nicotine, they are unable to stop. The health implications that are associated with cigarette smoking include lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart and blood health, and pregnancy complications. Various studies have been documented to demonstrate how cigarette smoking causes health problems. According to a report by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and Office on Smoking Health, they concluded that there are no risk-free levels of exposures. The complex mixture of the combustion of smoke causes inflammation and oxidation stress and as well damages the DNA. The severity and risk are directly proportional to the duration and exposure levels. It is, therefore, clear that smoking poses enormous health hazards. (United States, 2010).
A recent analysis showed that of every $10 spent on health, $0.9 goes to smoking related illness. In total 8.7% of the annual health budget is allocated to cigarette smoking related illness. 18% of the US population smokes and one in every five deaths are caused by cigarette smoking according to the CDC. These statistics are a reflection of the problem in the globe. The risks are higher in other nations that are unable to cope with the vice. Globally, the health costs associated with cigarette smoking are way above the tax income from cigarette manufacturers. Thus smoking imposes a tremendous burden on the nation's health institutions and the national budget on health and public information (Kennedy, 2014).
Cigarette smoking affects not only the smokers, but also other third parties in the vicinity. There are health risks to those exposed to the second-hand smoke. Bad odours result from smoking and it can affect the other individuals especially those who could be allergic to tobacco. There as well environmental impacts that result from the use of tobacco. Air pollution from the combustion of the tobacco mixture, soil degradation and deforestation in the production fields and fire risks from the users are some of the environmental hazards that could result.