Social awareness on cigarette smoking

Introduction to social awareness History of cigarette

A reproduction kokok a carving from the temple at Palenque, Mexico, depicting a Mayan priest smoking from a smoking tube. The earliest forms of cigarettes were largely indistinguishable from their predecessor, the cigar. Cigarettes have been attested in Central America around the 9th century in the form of reeds and smoking tubes. The Maya, and later the Aztecs, smoked tobacco and various psychoactive drugs in religious rituals and frequently depicted priests and deities smoking on pottery and temple engravings. The cigarette and the cigar were the most common methods of smoking in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central and South America until recent times.[14] The South and Central American cigarette used various plant wrappers; when it was brought back to Spain, maize wrappers were introduced, and by the 17th century, fine paper. The resulting product was called papelate and is documented in Goya's paintings La Cometa, La Merienda en el Manzanares, and El juego de la pelota a pala (18th century).[15] By 1830, the cigarette had crossed into France, where it received the name cigarette; and in 1845, the French state tobacco monopoly began manufacturing them.[15] In the English-speaking world, the use of tobacco in cigarette form became increasingly popular during and after the Crimean War, when British soldiers began emulating their Ottoman Turkish comrades and Russian enemies, who had begun rolling and smoking tobacco in strips of old newspaper for lack of proper cigar-rolling leaf.[15] This was helped by the development of

tobaccos that are suitable for cigarette use, and by the development of the Egyptian cigarette export industry.

Francisco Goya's La Cometa, depicting a man smoking an early quasi-cigarette. Cigarettes may have been initially used in a manner similar to pipes and cigars and not inhaled; for evidence, see the Lucky Strike ad campaign asking consumers "Do You Inhale?" from the 30's. As cigarette tobacco became milder and more acidic inhaling may have become more agreeable. On the other hand, Moltke noticed in the 1830s (cf. Unter dem Halbmond) that Ottomans (and he himself) inhaled the Turkish tobacco and Latakia from their pipes[16] (which are both initially sun-cured, acidic leaf varieties). The widespread smoking of cigarettes in the Western world is largely a 20th century phenomenon at the start of the century the per capita annual consumption in the USA was 54 cigarettes (with less than 0.5% of the population smoking more than 100 cigarettes per year), and consumption there peaked at 4,259 per capita in 1965. At that time about 50% of men and 33% of women smoked (defined as smoking more than 100 cigarettes per year).[17] By 2000, consumption had fallen to 2,092 per capita, corresponding to about 30% of men and 22% of women smoking more than 100 cigarettes per year, and by 2006 per capita consumption had declined to 1,691;[18] implying that about 21% of the population smoked 100 cigarettes or more per year. German Doctors were the first to identify the link between smoking and lung cancer which led to the first anti-tobacco movement in Nazi Germany.[19][20] During World War I and World War II, cigarettes were rationed to soldiers. During the Vietnam War, cigarettes were included with Cration meals. It was only in 1975 that the government quit putting cigarettes in military rations. During the second half of the 20th century, the adverse health effects of cigarettes started to become widely known and text-only health warnings became commonplace on cigarette packets. Warnings became prevalent but unpopular, mainly due to the political influences held by tobacco growers. The United States has not yet implemented graphical cigarette warning labels, which are considered a more effective method to communicate to the public the dangers of cigarette smoking.[21]Canada, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France, Romania, Singapore and Turkey however, have both textual warnings

and graphic visual images displaying, among other things, the damaging effects tobacco use has on the human body. The cigarette has evolved much since its conception; for example, the thin bands that travel transverse to the "axis of smoking" (thus forming circles along the length of the cigarette) are alternate sections of thin and thick paper to facilitate effective burning when being drawn, and retard burning when at rest. Synthetic particulate filters remove some of the tar before it reaches the smoker.

Manufacturing of cigarette

Diagram of a cigarette. 1. Filter made of 95% cellulose acetate. 2. Tipping paper to cover the filter. 3. Rolling paper to cover the tobacco. 4. Tobacco blend.

Consumption
As of 2002, approximately 5.5 trillion cigarettes are produced globally each year and are smoked by over 1.1 billion people or greater than one-seventh of the world population. While smoking rates have leveled off or declined in developed nations, they continue to rise in developing parts of the world. Smoking rates in the United States have dropped by half from 1965 to 2006 falling from 42% to 20.8% of adults.[3] In the developing world, tobacco consumption is rising by 3.4% per year.[4] Smoking prevalence by gender (2000) Percent smoking Region Men Women Africa 29% 4% United States 35% 22% Eastern Mediterranean 35% 4% Europe 46% 26% Southeast Asia 44% 4% Western Pacific 60% 8%

Components of cigarette

Chemicals in Tobacco Smoke

There are over 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke and at least 69 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer.

The list of 599 additives approved by the US Government for use in the manufacture of cigarettes is something every smoker should see. Submitted by the five major American cigarette companies to the Dept. of Health and Human Services in April of 1994, this list of ingredients had long been kept a secret. Tobacco companies reporting this information were: American Tobacco Company Brown and Williamson Liggett Group, Inc. Philip Morris Inc. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company

While these ingredients are approved as additives for foods, they were not tested by burning them, and it is the burning of many of these substances which changes their properties, often for the worse. Over 4000 chemical compounds are created by burning a cigarette 69 of those chemicals are known to cause cancer. Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanides and ammonia are all present in cigarette smoke. Forty-three known carcinogens are in mainstream smoke, sidestream smoke or both. It's chilling to think about not only how smokers poison themselves, but what others are exposed to by breathing in the secondhand smoke. The next time you're missing your old buddy, the cigarette, take a good long look at this list and see them for what they are: a delivery system for toxic chemical and carcinogens.

Cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals. Up to 600 additives and flavorings may be in a single cigarette. But this is as nothing when we consider the 4000 chemicals that are released when a cigarette is smoked. Nicotine Nicotine is the main addictive ingredient in tobacco. It is readily absorbed into the blood and gives a hit (a rush) to the brain in about 10 seconds. Nicotine produces chemicals in the brain called dopamine. It is the regular hits of nicotine that the brain comes to expect and when people quit it causes withdrawl symptoms. Nicotine is a stimulant that increases the heart rate and blood pressure this is partly a sign that the body is trying to absorb more oxygen. Acetone Thats the stuff used as a solvent to remove nail varnish.

Ammonia Ammonia speeds up the delivery of the nicotine. It freebases the nicotine in the same way as a crack user takes cocaine. Tar Tar is deposited into the lungs every time a person inhales. Smoking 20 or more cigarettes a day deposits 1 to 1.5 pounds into the lungs every year Benzene Used as a solvent in fuel & dyes. Known to cause cancer. Cadmium Used to make batteries, cadmium is known to cause kidney damage. It increases the risk of developing lung cancer. Carbon monoxide This is the same chemical pushed out by cars. It prevents the blood carrying oxygen around the body. A heavy smokers ability to carry oxygen around the body is reduced by up to 15%. Hydrogen Cyanide Yet another gas that reduces the bodys ability to carry oxygen around the body. Pyridine Pyridine is a central nervous system depressant that boosts the effect of smoking.

Effects of smoking Body

There's hardly a part of the human body that's not affected by the chemicals in the cigarettes you smoke. Let's take a tour of your body to look at how smoking affects it.

Starting at the Top

As a smoker, you're at risk for cancer of the mouth. Tobacco smoke can also cause gum disease, tooth decay and bad breath. The teeth become unsightly

and yellow. Smokers may experience frequent headaches. And lack of oxygen and narrowed blood vessels to the brain can lead to strokes.

Lungs and Bronchi

Moving down to your chest, smoke passes through the bronchi, or breathing tubes. Hydrogen cyanide and other chemicals in the smoke attack the lining of the bronchi, inflaming them and causing that chronic smoker's cough. Because the bronchi are weakened, you're more likely to get bronchial infections. Mucus secretion in your lungs is impaired, also leading to chronic coughing. Smokers are 10 times as likely to get lung cancer and emphysema as nonsmokers.

Smoking and the Heart

The effects of smoking on your heart are devastating. Nicotine raises blood pressure and makes the blood clot more easily. Carbon monoxide robs the blood of oxygen and leads to the development of cholesterol deposits on the artery walls. All of these effects add up to an increased risk of heart attack. In addition, the poor circulation resulting from cholesterol deposits can cause strokes, loss of circulation in fingers and toes and impotence.

Smoking and the Body's Organs

The digestive system is also affected. The tars in smoke can trigger cancer of the esophagus and throat. Smoking causes increased stomach acid secretion, leading to heartburn and ulcers. Smokers have higher rates of deadly pancreatic cancer. Many of the carcinogens from cigarettes are excreted in the urine where their presence can cause bladder cancer, which is often fatal. High blood pressure from smoking can damage the kidneys.

The Results
The health effects of smoking have results we can measure. Forty percent of men who are heavy smokers will die before they reach retirement age, as compared to only 18 percent of nonsmokers. Women who smoke face an increased risk of cervical cancer, and pregnant women who smoke take a chance with the health of their unborn babies.
But the good news is that when you quit smoking your body begins to repair itself. Ten years after you quit, your body has repaired most of the damage smoking caused. Those who wait until cancer or emphysema has set in aren't so luckythese conditions are usually fatal. It's one more reason to take the big step and quit now.

Environment

We all know about the effects of smoking on the health of smokers and the people they smoke around. However, many people are unaware of the detrimental effects of smoking on the environment.

Smoking creates tremendous amounts of waste and pollution, making it terrible for the environment.

Cigarette smoke contains approximately 4,000 chemicals. The air pollution that results from cigarette smoke is 10 times greater than that from diesel car exhaust. Each year, the world discards approximately 4.3 trillion cigarette butts.
t can take up to 10 years for a cigarette butt to decompose.

Once in contact with water, cigarettes leach toxins such as tar, cadmium, lead and arsenic as well as nicotine into the soil and waterways. This can harm any living organism that comes in contact with the toxins. Cigarette butts often end up in the intestines of marine life since they can be mistaken for food. Cigarettes also use a lot of paper. In fact, 600 million trees are cut down per year to supply the cigarette industry. Tobacco is also grown using a lot of pesticides, including dangerous toxins such as DDT and Aldrin, as well as Methyl Bromide, which depletes the ozone layer. Clearly, the act of smoking and the waste it creates has a huge negative impact on the environment. By quitting, you are not only making a healthy choice that will save you money, you will also be doing the Earth a huge favor.

Others
Irritation Breathing problem Mild coughing Asthma problem Heart disease

Want to prevent teen smoking? Understand why teens smoke and how to talk to your teen about cigarettes.
Teen smoking might begin innocently, but it can become a long-term problem. In fact, most adult smokers begin smoking as teenagers. Your best bet? Stop your teen from taking that first puff. Follow these tips to help prevent teen smoking.

No. 1: Understand the attraction

Teen smoking can be a form of rebellion or a way to fit in with a particular group of friends. Some teens light up in an attempt to lose weight or to feel better about themselves. Others smoke to feel cool or independent. Ask your teen how he or she feels about smoking and if any of your teen's friends smoke. Applaud your teen's good choices, and talk about the consequences of bad choices. You might also talk with your teen about how tobacco companies try to influence ideas about smoking such as showing smoking in movies to create the perception that it's glamorous.

No. 2: Say no to teen smoking

You might feel as if your teen doesn't hear a word you say, but say it anyway. Tell your teen that smoking isn't allowed. Your disapproval might have more impact than you think. Teens whose parents set the firmest smoking restrictions tend to smoke less than do teens whose parents don't set smoking limits. The same goes for teens who feel close to their parents.

No. 3: Set a good example

Teen smoking is more common among teens whose parents smoke. If you don't smoke, keep it up. If you do smoke, quit now. The earlier you stop smoking, the less likely your teen is to become a smoker. Ask your doctor about ways to stop smoking. In the meantime, don't smoke in the house, in the car or in front of your teen, and don't leave cigarettes where your teen might find them. Explain how unhappy you are with your smoking, how difficult it is to quit and that you'll keep trying until you stop smoking for good.

No. 4: Appeal to your teen's vanity

Smoking isn't glamorous. Remind your teen that smoking is dirty and smelly. Smoking gives you bad breath and wrinkles. Smoking makes your clothes and hair smell, and it turns your teeth yellow. Smoking can leave you with a chronic cough and less energy for sports and other enjoyable activities.

No. 5: Do the math

Smoking is expensive. Help your teen calculate the weekly, monthly or yearly cost of smoking a pack a day. You might compare the cost of smoking with that of electronic gadgets, clothes or other teen essentials.

No. 6: Expect peer pressure

Friends who smoke can be convincing, but you can give your teen the tools he or she needs to refuse cigarettes. Rehearse how to handle tough social situations. It might be as simple as saying, "No thanks, I don't smoke." The more your teen practices this basic refusal, the more likely he or she will say no at the moment of truth.

No. 7: Take addiction seriously

Most teens believe they can stop smoking anytime they want. Teens, however, become just as addicted to tobacco as do adults often quickly and at relatively low doses of nicotine. Once you're hooked, it's tough to quit.

No. 8: Predict the future

Teens tend to assume that bad things only happen to other people. Explain the potential long-term consequences of smoking such as cancer, heart attack and stroke. Use loved ones, friends, neighbors or celebrities who've been ill as real-life examples.

No. 9: Think beyond cigarettes

Smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes (kreteks) and candy-flavored cigarettes (bidis) are sometimes mistaken as less harmful or addictive than are traditional cigarettes. Hookah smoking smoking tobacco through a water pipe is another alternative sometimes touted as safe. Don't let your teen be fooled. Like traditional cigarettes, these products are addictive and can cause cancer and other health problems. Many deliver higher concentrations of nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar than do traditional cigarettes.

No. 10: Get involved

Take an active stance against teen smoking. Participate in local and school-sponsored anti-smoking campaigns. Support efforts to make public places smoke-free and increase taxes on tobacco products, which can help reduce the odds that your teen will become a smoker. If your teen has already started smoking, avoid threats and ultimatums. Instead, find out why your teen is smoking and discuss ways to help your teen quit. Avoiding or stopping smoking is one of the best things your teen can do for a lifetime of good health.

How to stop Smoking The first few weeks may be tough, but you can do it. Follow these ten steps to stopping smoking - for good. 1. Make a date and stick to it. Draw up a plan of action, considering what methods are available to you. 2. Keep busy to help take your mind off cigarettes. Throw away all your ashtrays, lighters and tobacco. 3. Drink plenty of fluids - keep a glass of water or juice by you and sip it steadily. Try different flavours. 4. Get more active. Walk instead of using the bus or car, try the stairs instead of the lift. Exercise helps you relax and can boost your morale. 5. Think positively. Withdrawal can be unpleasant, but it is a sign your body is recovering from the effects of tobacco. Irritability, urges to smoke and poor concentration are common - don't worry, they usually disappear after a few of weeks. 6. Change your routine. Try to avoid the shop where you usually buy cigarettes. Perhaps you should avoid the pub or the break room at work if there are lots of smokers around you. Try doing something totally different. Surprise yourself!

7. No excuses. Don't use a crisis or even good news to be an excuse for 'just one cigarette' - there is no such thing and you will soon want the next and the next.... 8. Treat yourself. This is important. If you can, use the money you are saving by not smoking to buy yourself something special, big or small, that you usually would not have. 9. Be careful what you eat. Try not to snack on fatty foods. If you do need to snack, try fruit, raw vegetables or sugar-free gum or sweets.

10. Take one day at a time. Each day without a cigarette is good news for your health, your family and your pocket.

Bans on smoking in India

A nationwide ban on smoking in public places came into effect from 2 October 2008. Places where smoking is banned include auditoriums, movie theatres, hospitals, public transport (aircraft, buses, trains, metros, monorails, taxis) and their related facilities (airports, bus stands/stations, railway stations), restaurants, hotels, bars, pubs, amusement centres, offices (government and private), libraries, courts, post offices, markets, shopping malls, canteens, refreshment rooms, banquet halls, discotheques, coffee houses, educational institutions and parks. Smoking is allowed on roads, inside one's home or vehicle.[citation needed] Smoking is also permitted in airports, restaurants, bars, pubs, discotheques and any other banned area if they provide designated separate smoking areas.[60] Anybody violating this law will be charged with a fine of 200.[61] The Cable Television Network (Regulation) Amendment Bill, in force since 8 September 2000, completely prohibits cigarette and alcohol advertisements. In 2007, Chandigarh became the first city in India to become 'smoke-free'. However despite there being some difficulties and apathy by the authorities[63] the Smoke-Free Chandigarh[64] ban has been a success story. Taking a cue from the Chandigarh's success, cities like Shimla also followed the Smoke-Free Chandigarh

model to become smoke-free.[65] The success of Chandigarh had been widely recognised and the architect of smoke-free Chandigarh HemantGoswami.[66] was also awarded the Global Smoke-Free Partnership Award for the initiative.[67] The state of Kerala also had implemented a more relaxed ban on public smoking earlier though it was never properly followed. However since the nationwide ban, it is being enforced more strictly.