Cigarette smoking is a dangerous and harmful practice that poses significant risks to the health of both the individual smoker and those around them. There are several compelling reasons why cigarettes should be made illegal, including the negative impact they have on public health, their environmental impacts, and their financial costs.
One of the primary reasons why cigarettes should be made illegal is the significant negative impact they have on public health. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide, with tobacco use responsible for over 7 million deaths each year. Cigarette smoking causes a wide range of health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and various respiratory diseases. The risks of smoking are not limited to the individual smoker, as secondhand smoke also poses significant health risks to those around them. Children and non-smoking adults who are exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of respiratory infections, asthma, and other health problems.
In addition to the negative impact on public health, cigarettes also have significant environmental impacts. The production and disposal of cigarettes generates large amounts of waste, including cigarette butts, which are one of the most common forms of litter worldwide. The chemicals in cigarettes are also harmful to the environment, as they can contaminate soil and water and have negative impacts on wildlife.
Finally, cigarettes impose significant financial costs on society. The healthcare costs associated with treating smoking-related diseases are significant and are ultimately borne by taxpayers. In addition, the lost productivity resulting from smoking-related illnesses and premature death can have a major impact on the economy.
Overall, the negative impact on public health, the environmental impacts, and the financial costs of cigarettes make it clear that they should be made illegal. While this would likely be a controversial move, the potential benefits to public health and the environment make it a step worth considering.