As a resident of the United Kingdom, cigarettes have been a constant presence throughout my life. Whether it was the smell of smoke lingering in the air or the sight of cigarette butts littering the streets, cigarettes were a common sight in my everyday life. However, as I have grown older and become more informed about the dangers of smoking, my view on cigarettes has drastically changed.
In the UK, cigarettes have a long history and have been a part of British culture for centuries. It was not until the early 20th century that smoking began to be viewed as harmful to one’s health. Even then, it took several decades for laws and regulations to be put in place to control the sale and consumption of cigarettes.
Today, cigarettes are one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, around 78,000 deaths per year can be attributed to smoking. This staggering number is a result of the harmful chemicals and toxins present in cigarettes, such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. These substances not only pose a threat to the smoker but also to those around them through secondhand smoke.
One of the major reasons for the widespread use of cigarettes in the UK is the availability and affordability of tobacco products. With over 20,000 tobacco retailers in the country, it is incredibly easy to find and purchase cigarettes. Additionally, the cost of cigarettes in the UK is relatively low compared to other countries, with a pack of 20 cigarettes costing around £10 on average.
The tobacco industry spends millions of pounds in advertising and marketing each year, targeting vulnerable groups such as young adults and people with mental health issues. As a result, many people start smoking at a young age and struggle to quit due to the highly addictive nature of nicotine.
Furthermore, the UK government relies heavily on the revenue generated from tobacco taxes. In 2019, tobacco duty and VAT contributed over £12 billion to the government’s budget. This financial incentive has often caused a conflict of interest when it comes to implementing stricter regulations on cigarettes.
However, in recent years, the UK government has taken steps to reduce smoking rates and protect its citizens from the harmful effects of cigarettes. The introduction of the smoking ban in 2007, which prohibits smoking in enclosed public places, has been one of the most impactful measures. This ban has not only reduced exposure to secondhand smoke but has also encouraged many smokers to quit.
In addition to the smoking ban, the UK government has implemented various other measures, such as increasing taxes on cigarettes, implementing plain packaging, and introducing graphic health warnings on packaging. These initiatives have had a significant impact on smoking rates in the UK, with the percentage of smokers in the adult population decreasing from over 45% in the 1970s to around 15% in 2019.
However, despite these efforts, the tobacco industry continues to thrive in the UK. This is largely due to the rise of alternatives to traditional cigarettes, such as e-cigarettes. While e-cigarettes are marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking, there is still a lack of long-term research on their effects. Additionally, the widespread use of e-cigarettes among young adults has raised concerns about potential addiction to nicotine.
Moreover, the growing popularity of social media and influencer culture has made smoking seem more appealing to younger generations. Many influencers use platforms such as Instagram and TikTok to promote tobacco products, which can have a significant influence on their followers, especially impressionable teenagers.
In my personal experience, I have seen the negative effects of smoking on my friends and family. My aunt, who has been a heavy smoker for over 30 years, has developed severe respiratory problems, making it difficult for her to even walk short distances. I have also seen my friends struggle with addiction and try multiple times to quit smoking without success.
In conclusion, while cigarette use in the UK has decreased in recent years, it still remains a pervasive issue and a significant public health concern. The UK government must continue to implement stricter regulations and anti-smoking campaigns to further reduce smoking rates and protect its citizens from the harmful effects of cigarettes. As individuals, it is also crucial to educate ourselves and those around us about the dangers of smoking and make informed choices when it comes to our health.