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As someone who has grown up in the United Kingdom, smoking has always been a part of my life. From my parents and grandparents smoking, to seeing cigarette packets lined up in shops and pubs, it has become a societal norm. However, as I grew older, I began to question the true impact of cigarettes in the UK.
According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2020, around 14.1% of adults in Great Britain were smokers. While this number has significantly decreased over the years, it is still a considerable percentage of the population. As someone who has seen and experienced the effects of smoking, I believe it is essential to discuss the issue of cigarettes in the UK and the consequences it has had on the population.
One of the main issues with cigarettes in the UK is the impact it has on public health. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the UK, with an estimated 78,000 deaths per year attributed to smoking-related illnesses. These illnesses include lung cancer, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As a result, smoking-related illnesses cost the NHS an estimated £5.2 billion per year in healthcare costs.
Not only does smoking have a detrimental impact on individual health, but it also affects those around us. The concept of secondhand smoke is well-known, where non-smokers are exposed to the harmful chemicals and toxins from cigarettes. This can lead to health issues such as asthma, respiratory infections, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Despite efforts to ban smoking in public places, there are still instances where non-smokers are exposed to secondhand smoke, particularly in outdoor spaces.
Despite the known health risks, cigarettes are still readily available and affordable in the UK. The average price for a pack of 20 cigarettes is around £10, with the cheapest brand being priced at £8.50. This price may seem expensive to some, but for many smokers, it is a habit they cannot afford to give up. This constant accessibility and affordability make it challenging for smokers to quit, ultimately leading to a continuous cycle of addiction and dependency.
Another concerning issue with the tobacco industry in the UK is its marketing strategies. The tobacco industry spends millions of pounds each year on advertising and promotions, despite a ban on television and radio advertisements since 1965. These promotions can include point-of-sale displays, sponsoring cultural and sporting events, and offering discounts and free samples. These strategies are highly effective in targeting young individuals and encouraging them to try smoking, leading to a potential lifelong addiction.
Tobacco companies also target specific communities and demographics, such as lower-income individuals and ethnic minorities. This is evident from the higher rates of smoking in these groups. It is a disturbing trend that seems to exploit vulnerable communities and their lack of access to proper education and resources on the dangers of smoking.
Furthermore, the tobacco industry has come under scrutiny for its lack of regulation and transparency. Despite being aware of the harmful ingredients in cigarettes, tobacco companies have not been forthcoming with this information to the public. It was not until 1998 that tobacco companies were legally required to disclose their ingredients, and even then, they only listed 4 out of the 60 carcinogens found in cigarettes. This lack of transparency can be seen as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and downplay the true dangers of smoking.
Despite the numerous health risks and societal issues associated with smoking, there are still arguments for its legality and availability in the UK. Some believe in personal freedom and the right to make choices for oneself, including decisions about smoking. Others argue that banning cigarettes would lead to a black market and more significant criminal activity. However, these arguments overlook the larger picture of the overall impact of the tobacco industry on public health and society.
In recent years, there have been efforts to reduce smoking rates in the UK. The most notable being the ban on smoking in public places, the introduction of graphic warning labels on cigarette packets, and the implementation of stricter regulations on the tobacco industry. These measures have been effective in decreasing smoking rates, particularly among young people. However, there is still more that needs to be done to combat the issue of smoking in the UK fully.
One possible solution is increasing the price of cigarettes, making it less affordable and accessible for individuals. This has been shown to be effective in other countries, such as Australia, where the price of cigarettes is significantly higher than in the UK. Additionally, there needs to be stricter regulations on marketing and promotion by the tobacco industry, particularly in targeting vulnerable communities. Education and awareness campaigns should also be implemented to ensure that individuals, especially young people, are informed about the dangers of smoking.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have had a significant impact on public health and society. The health risks, accessibility, and marketing strategies associated with smoking are concerning and have long-lasting effects on individuals, communities, and the economy. While progress has been made in reducing smoking rates, there is still more that needs to be done to eliminate this harmful habit entirely. It is crucial for the government and society as a whole to work towards a future where the detrimental effects of cigarettes in the UK are no longer a reality.