The policy regarding smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic is such that a ban on the sale of tobacco products has been introduced in some countries. Clancy et al. (2020) claim that many countries have introduced anti-smoking measures. This policy undoubtedly has its advantages, such as reducing smokers and preserving their health. Unfortunately, this policy has had a negative impact on my community. For example, the ban on tobacco smoking has deprived many people of jobs related to the production of tobacco products. In addition, illegal tobacco markets were formed, which increased the number of criminal situations.
In this case, the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation is due to the need to preserve people’s health by banning tobacco products. At the same time, the closure of the production of tobacco products should not leave a large number of people without work. Since the number of criminal cases may increase due to the lack of employment, which will only harm residential areas.
Smoking causes a large number of ethical problems, such as environmental pollution. Smoking gradually leads to the destruction of the ozone layer and the penetration of harmful sunlight, ruining many ecosystems. Deforestation for the cigarette base, as well as cutting tobacco leaves, is also unethical and destroys nature. In addition, smoking is unethical in relation to non-smokers who are forced to inhale the dirty tobacco air that smokers exhale. All this is unethical because it harms people’s lives and worsens the living conditions for future generations.
The policy prohibiting the use of tobacco during COVID-19 has advantages and disadvantages. Even though there are disadvantages, the benefits still prevail and make this policy successful and meaningful. It is necessary to preserve human health and the environment.
Reference
Clancy, L., Gallus, S., Leung, J. & Egbe, C. (2020). Tobacco and COVID-19: Understanding the science and policy implications. Tobacco Induced Diseases, 18(105), 1-4. Web.