As a young adult living in the United Kingdom, I have seen the impact of cigarettes on both individuals and society as a whole. The prominence and availability of cigarettes in the UK is undeniable, with an estimated 7.4 million people aged 18 and over smoking on a daily basis.
Growing up, I was bombarded with messages and images warning against the dangers of smoking. However, due to peer pressure and curiosity, I eventually succumbed to the temptation and started smoking at the age of 16. Now, at the age of 23, I have witnessed the physical, mental, and financial toll that smoking has had on me and those around me.
The UK has a long and complicated history with cigarettes. It was in the 1600s when tobacco first made its way into the country, brought over by English travelers who had picked up the habit from the Native Americans. It wasn’t until the 19th century, with advancements in technology and mass production, that cigarettes became more affordable and popular among the working class.
Today, cigarettes are deeply ingrained in British culture, from the traditional smoke break at work to the iconic image of a man in a trench coat and hat smoking a cigar. The act of smoking has become a ritual, a social activity, and a way to relieve stress.
Despite the societal acceptance and normalization of smoking, the UK government has taken steps to combat its deadly effects. The Public Health Act of 1875 was the first legislation to regulate tobacco advertising, forbidding the sale of cigarettes to anyone under the age of 16. Since then, there have been numerous regulations and restrictions on tobacco, including warning labels on packaging and public smoking bans.
In 2007, smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces was banned in England, joining the rest of the UK who had implemented similar bans earlier. As a result, the number of smokers in the UK has declined, from 39% in 1980 to 14.1% in 2019.
However, smoking still remains the leading cause of preventable death in the UK, responsible for around 78,000 deaths each year. The dangers of smoking are well-documented – it is linked to various types of cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and even complications during pregnancy. Smoking not only affects the health of the individual but also those around them through secondhand smoke.
Moreover, the financial burden of smoking cannot be ignored. In 2019, the average price of a pack of cigarettes was £10.83, with taxes accounting for around 80% of the price. Annually, the UK government collects around £9.5 billion in tobacco taxes, highlighting the immense revenues generated by the tobacco industry.
But the true cost of smoking goes far beyond the price of a pack of cigarettes. As a smoker, I have witnessed firsthand the toll it takes on my wallet. On average, a pack-a-day smoker in the UK spends around £3,000 per year on cigarettes. That money could be put towards other expenses such as housing, education, or a retirement fund.
Furthermore, the impact of smoking on the environment cannot be ignored. Cigarette butts are the most common form of litter globally, with an estimated 4.5 trillion discarded each year. These butts contain harmful chemicals that can leach into soil and water, posing a threat to wildlife and the ecosystem. Smoking also contributes to air pollution, with the smoke and released chemicals affecting air quality.
As a smoker, I am well aware of the negative effects of smoking. However, the addiction and habit are not easy to break. Every time I have tried to quit, I have faced withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and the mindset of “just one more won’t hurt.” It is a vicious cycle that many smokers can relate to.
The tobacco industry is a powerful one, with tactics such as marketing and packaging designed to lure in new smokers and keep current ones hooked. In the UK, menthol cigarettes and flavored tobacco products have been banned as of 2020, as they were found to target young people and make smoking more appealing.
However, there is still much room for improvement. Despite the various regulations and taxes placed on tobacco, the industry still exists and thrives. The UK government could do more to discourage smoking, such as increasing the legal age to purchase cigarettes, implementing plain packaging, and reducing the availability of cigarettes in stores.
Personally, I hope to one day quit smoking for good. I have seen the damage it has caused to my health, relationships, and finances. As a young adult, I have the opportunity to break free from the cycle and make a positive change for myself and those around me.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have a complicated and troubled existence. Despite being steeped in culture and tradition, the dangers of smoking cannot be ignored. Though progress has been made in reducing the number of smokers, there is still much work to be done to further decrease the impact of cigarettes on society. Whether mandated by the government or through personal choice, quitting smoking is a decision that will ultimately benefit not only the individual, but also the environment and future generations.