As a lifelong resident of the UK, I have grown up surrounded by the presence of cigarettes. From family and friends smoking to the sight of cigarette packs in stores, cigarettes have become a normalized part of our society. However, it wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I started to truly understand the impact of cigarettes on our country.
Cigarettes have a long and complicated history in the UK. They were first introduced in the late 16th century, but it wasn’t until the late 19th century that they became more widely accessible and popular. In the early 20th century, cigarettes were seen as glamorous and luxurious, with advertisements depicting them as symbols of sophistication and wealth. It wasn’t until the 1950s that the harmful effects of smoking began to be recognized, with the first Surgeon General’s Report in the US linking smoking to lung cancer.
However, it wasn’t until the 21st century that the UK truly began to take action against cigarettes. In 2007, the country implemented a smoking ban in all enclosed public spaces, including bars, restaurants, and offices. This was a major step towards reducing the prevalence of smoking and protecting non-smokers from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.
Yet, despite these efforts, smoking still remains a major issue in the UK. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2019, 14.1% of adults aged 18 and over in the UK were current cigarette smokers. That equates to around 7 million people still using tobacco products. This is alarming, especially considering the various campaigns and initiatives that have been implemented to discourage smoking.
One major factor that contributes to the prevalence of smoking in the UK is the affordability of cigarettes. While the price of cigarettes has increased over the years due to taxes and regulations, they are still relatively cheap compared to other countries. This is partly due to the fact that the UK is one of the top producers of tobacco in the EU, with about 82% of the tobacco used for cigarettes grown domestically.
Another factor that contributes to the widespread use of cigarettes is the presence of tobacco advertisements. While it is illegal to advertise cigarettes in the UK, tobacco companies have found loopholes to promote their products. This includes advertising in films and television shows, as well as through sponsorships and product placement. These tactics can be particularly influential on young people, who are more susceptible to advertising and are at a crucial age where they may start experimenting with cigarettes.
As a result, smoking rates are higher among younger adults, with 19.3% of those aged 18-24 being current smokers. This is concerning, as the earlier someone starts smoking, the harder it is for them to quit. It’s a vicious cycle that perpetuates the prevalence of smoking in the UK.
In addition to the physical health risks that come with smoking, there are also financial implications. A pack of cigarettes in the UK can cost anywhere from £10 to £14, depending on the brand and location. For someone who smokes a pack a day, that adds up to over £3000 a year. This can have a significant impact on a person’s finances, especially for those with limited incomes.
Furthermore, cigarettes can also have a negative impact on the environment. Cigarette butts are the most littered item in the world, and they can take up to 10 years to decompose. Not only do they contribute to pollution, but they also pose a threat to wildlife who may mistake them for food. Additionally, the production of cigarettes has a heavy environmental footprint, from the deforestation caused by tobacco farming to the toxic chemicals released during the manufacturing process.
Despite all these negative effects, some people may argue that smoking is a personal choice and that the government should not interfere in personal decisions. However, when it comes to cigarettes, it’s not just about individual health but also the health of the community. Secondhand smoke contributes to about 10,000 deaths in the UK each year, and smoking-related illnesses put a strain on our healthcare system. The government has a responsibility to protect the health and well-being of its citizens, and taking action against smoking is just one way they can do that.
In recent years, there has been a push for alternative forms of smoking, such as e-cigarettes or vaping. While these products may be marketed as being safer than traditional cigarettes, the long-term effects are still relatively unknown. There have been cases of lung injuries and illnesses associated with vaping, and it’s important to approach these products with caution and regulation.
As a society, we need to continue to educate and inform people about the dangers of smoking. This can include implementing stricter regulations on tobacco advertisements, increasing the price of cigarettes even further, and investing in smoking cessation programs. It’s also important to address the underlying reasons why people start smoking, such as peer pressure, stress, or a lack of awareness about the risks.
As I reflect on the presence of cigarettes in the UK, I’m struck by the fact that something so harmful and potentially deadly is still so prevalent. While progress has been made over the years, there is still a long way to go in reducing the use of cigarettes in our country. It’s a battle that requires the collective effort of individuals, communities, and the government. But if we continue to educate, regulate and discourage the use of cigarettes, then perhaps we can create a healthier and smoke-free future for the UK.