A Slow but Devastating Killer
Even though we have just moved one step closer to enforced smoke free public places, consumers today still face a host of daily health risks. One of these is lung cancer, a horrible disease that one can actively or passively contract from cigarette tobacco.
Chewing or smoking tobacco causes cancer of the mouth, throat and lungs. After decades of denials, and vigorous marketing of their dangerous product, the tobacco industry finally admitted that cigarette smoking in not only addictive, but a health time bomb.
Consumers have the right to a healthy environment. The responsibility for that rests also with consumers many of whom unfortunately choose to smoke. Despite the reluctant, but public admission by the tobacco industry, cigarette manufacturers continue to produce a harmful product simply because there is a consumer demand for it. Yes smokers are consumers. But not all consumers are smokers. Even so, recent discoveries show that consumers who are nonsmokers perhaps are at greater risks to cancer than are those who smoke; second hand cigarette smoke is an even more potent carcinogen.
Life without smoking is not a death sentence, but the snail’s pace of cancer from cigarettes surely is, as is the implied warning of a current radio ad from a former local cricketer. Government warnings on cigarette labels, the anti-smoking campaign, doctors and health care professional around the world all speak of the dangers of cigarette smoking. We urge consumers who are nonsmokers to join in the crusade for clean air and lungs by:
- Remaining non smokers
- Encouraging smokers to quit
- Demanding smoke free enclosed places
- Agitating for strong anti smoking laws
- Calling for an end to cigarette manufacturing
In an open market economy, business is free to produce goods and services once they are legal. Even in both pre and post Communists Russia cigarette smoking has flourished. Until such time as governments outlaw tobacco and/or cigarettes, people have the right to manufacture, sell and use cigarettes. But that right is not absolute. The right to a healthy and safe environment supersedes it.
By remaining nonsmokers consumers ensure for themselves healthier and stronger lungs. The more powerful our lungs are, the greater the volume of (fresh) air they will supply to our hearts and the better our cardiopulmonary/respiratory system. More importantly, our bodies will be free of the carcinogens that cause lung cancer and contribute to diseased lungs.
By encouraging others to quit we can save their lives and they, untold medical expenses. Additionally, the more smokers who quit the cleaner the air we shall breathe.
By demanding a smoke free enclosed spaces, the less a chance we have of encountering second hand smoke in confined environments such as air conditioned offices, buildings, stores and malls. Already there are corporate citizens that do not permit smoking in their buildings. Smoking is also prohibited in government offices, State owned enterprises and BWEE flights.
Remember, the power is yours!
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