Literature Review
Many types of research and investigations prove the harmful influence of smoking. They state that it is one of the most dangerous habits that destroy people’s health. It is estimated that smoking amounts to $27.3 billion in 1976, including $8.2 billion for health care costs (Max, 2001). One of every five deaths in the USA is related to smoking (Chew, 2017). Smokers die from cancer, pneumonia, bronchitis, and other illnesses that result from the inhaling of numerous harmful substances found in smoke.
Chemicals and nicotine that cigarette smoke contains destroy lungs, blood vessels, and other important organs that guarantee the efficient functioning of an individual, and smoking cessation mitigates breathing problems (Willemse, Postma, Timens, & Ten Hacken, 2004). Less than six percent of smokers are able to quit the bad habit (Cinciripini, Wetter, & McClure, 1997). In fact, the number of smokers who manage to quit the bad habit clearly indicates that nicotine addiction presents a problem that should be addressed based on facts despite the diversity of opinions concerning the topic.
Smoking is a great burden for society because it costs a lot and deprives society of certain income. Financial reports indicate that $193 billion is spent annually in the USA because of the spread of this habit (“Cost of smoking,” n.d.). The bigger part of this sum is spent on smoking-related health care. Moreover, statistical data also show that a common household where at least one member smokes devotes a significant part of income to cigarettes (“Cost of smoking,” n.d.).
Manufacturing cigarettes also costs a lot. In the modern world, the tobacco industry has high revenues and income that could have been spent to develop other important spheres. I have reviewed several credible sources and statistics related to the issue of smoking and its costs. To me, there are better ways to spend this money and help people by promoting their health.
Smoking should be banned internationally to protect people and countries from its negative impact. Smoking can lead to financial consequences due to the amount spent on healthcare and cigarettes. It affects all systems of organs and decreases the quality of life. The research paper argues that considering numerous health issues caused by smoking, the necessity of smoking bans is supported by public opinion.
Methods
A survey that included ten questions of different types was used. The sample includes thirty participants (primarily non-smokers). The questions refer to the knowledge concerning the consequences of smoking and the opinions on smoking bans.
Results
Modern people are becoming more responsible and conscious when it comes to smoking. 86, 6 % of participants are non-smokers whereas 63, 3 % have a negative opinion about the amount of money spent on cigarettes (“Smoking,” n.d.). 80 % of respondents agree that smoking is among the leading causes of death and 63, 3 % support smoking bans (“Smoking,” n.d.).
Discussion
The literature review indicates that smoking is among the most common causes of death, and public opinion supports this point. Exposure to smoke destroys the lungs and causes cardiovascular issues, and 56,6 % of respondents list lung problems among the key consequences of smoking (“Smoking,” n.d.). Another finding that aligns with the literature review is the negative perception of smoking-related costs. However, half of the respondents support partial smoking bans.
Conclusion
The results support the thesis as more than 60 % of respondents supports smoking bans. The method protects respondents’ anonymity and provides results that are easy to analyze. Regarding limitations, as it follows from heterogeneous answers, some questions could have been understood in different ways. Future research can study the reasons to negate the necessity of smoking bans.
References
Chew, N. (2017). Three reasons why smoking should be banned. Web.
Cinciripini, P. M., Wetter, D. W., & McClure, J. B. (1997). Scheduled reduced smoking: Effects on smoking abstinence and potential mechanisms of action. Addictive Behaviors, 22(6), 759-767.
Cost of smoking. (n.d.). Web.
Max, W. (2001). The financial impact of smoking on health-related costs: A review of the literature. American Journal of Health Promotion, 15(5), 321-331.
Smoking (n.d.). Web.
Willemse, B. W., Postma, D. S., Timens, W., & Ten Hacken, N. H. (2004). The impact of smoking cessation on respiratory symptoms, lung function, airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. European Respiratory Journal, 23(3), 464-476.