As someone who has been a smoker for over a decade, it’s hard for me to imagine a world without cigarettes. They have been a constant presence in my life, always there to provide comfort, stress relief, and a sense of familiarity. But as the years have gone by, I’ve become more and more aware of the negative impact that cigarettes have not only on my health, but also on the environment and society as a whole.
In the UK, smoking rates have been declining over the years, with more and more people choosing to give up this addictive habit. According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2019, 14.1% of adults aged 18 and over in the UK smoked, which is a significant decrease from the 25% reported in 2005. However, this still means that around 6.9 million people in the UK are regular smokers.
The History of Cigarettes in the UK
Cigarettes have a long and complex history in the UK, dating back to the 16th century when tobacco was first brought over from the Americas. It quickly gained popularity, with people smoking it in pipes and chewing it. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that the first commercial cigarettes were introduced.
In 1856, the first UK-based tobacco company, W.D. & H.O. Wills, started producing cigarettes on a large scale. This was followed by the introduction of hand-rolled cigarettes in the late 1800s, making them more affordable and accessible to the masses.
In the early 20th century, the tobacco industry experienced a significant boom, with advertising and marketing campaigns promoting smoking as a fashionable and sophisticated habit. The iconic cigarette brands we know today, such as Marlboro and Camel, were also launched during this time.
The Negative Impact of Cigarettes on Health
There’s no denying that smoking is detrimental to our health. Cigarettes contain over 7,000 chemicals, including 70 known to cause cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, around 16 types of cancer are linked to smoking, and it’s estimated that smoking causes over 203,000 deaths every year in the UK.
Aside from cancer, cigarettes are also linked to a variety of other health issues, including heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, and respiratory infections. And it’s not just the smokers themselves who are affected. Secondhand smoke also poses a significant risk to those around us, especially children.
Despite these risks, many of us continue to smoke. It’s not just a physical addiction; there’s also a psychological aspect to it. For some, it’s a coping mechanism, a way to deal with stress and anxiety. For others, it’s a social activity, something to do during a night out or while catching up with friends. But as enjoyable as smoking may seem in the moment, the long-term consequences on our health are undeniable.
The Environmental Impact of Cigarettes
Apart from their impact on our health, cigarettes also have a detrimental effect on the environment. The production, distribution, and disposal of cigarettes all contribute to pollution and reduce air and water quality.
Tobacco cultivation also requires large amounts of water, and the pesticides and fertilisers used in the process can pollute the soil and water sources. Cigarette butts, which are the most commonly littered item in the world, also contain toxic chemicals that can harm wildlife and contaminate soil and water.
The cigarette packaging itself is also a considerable source of waste. Every year, 200 billion cigarette butts are discarded in the UK alone, and they can take anywhere from 10 to 15 years to decompose. Not to mention the plastic packaging and cellophane wrap that ends up in landfills and oceans.
The Government’s Efforts to Reduce Smoking Rates
In recent years, the UK government has implemented various measures to reduce smoking rates and the negative impact of cigarettes. The introduction of the smoking ban in 2007, which prohibited smoking in enclosed public spaces, has been one of the most significant steps taken. This has not only reduced the exposure to secondhand smoke, but it has also made it less socially acceptable to smoke.
In 2015, the government launched a new Tobacco Control Plan, setting a target of reducing smoking rates to 12% or less by 2022. This plan includes measures such as reducing the affordability and availability of cigarettes, promoting tobacco-free environments, and providing support for smokers to quit.
As part of this plan, the government also introduced plain packaging for cigarettes in 2016. This means that all cigarette packages must display graphic health warnings and use the same drab green colour, with no branding or logos. This measure has been proven to be effective in reducing the appeal of cigarette packages, especially to young people.
Tobacco Advertising and Regulation
In addition to the government’s efforts, the tobacco industry is also subject to strict advertising regulations in the UK. The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations Act of 2016 prohibits all forms of tobacco advertising, including television, radio, print, and digital media.
Cigarette packaging must also adhere to strict regulations, with health warnings covering 65% of the front and back of the package. Cigarette companies are also required to submit annual reports on their marketing and sales activities.
Moreover, the UK has implemented a ban on menthol cigarettes, with all flavoured cigarettes banned from sale since May 2020. This is a significant step in discouraging young people from starting smoking, as flavours such as menthol are thought to mask the harsh taste of tobacco.
My Journey of Quitting Smoking
As someone who has struggled with quitting smoking for years, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of these regulations and measures. The introduction of plain packaging, in particular, has made a difference in my mindset towards smoking. Seeing the graphic warnings and the dull packaging isn’t as appealing as it once was, and it has made me more conscious of the health risks and environmental impact.
Despite all this, quitting smoking is still a challenge. I’ve tried various methods, from nicotine patches to prescription medication, but it’s a constant battle. The physical addiction is tough to overcome, but the psychological aspect is even harder. The association of smoking with certain activities and emotions makes it difficult to break the habit.
However, I am determined to keep trying. Not just for myself, but also for the sake of the environment and those around me. The negative impact of cigarettes is undeniable, and it’s time for us to take responsibility and make a change.
In conclusion, cigarettes have been a significant part of UK culture for centuries, but the negative impact on our health, the environment, and society as a whole cannot be ignored. While the government has taken steps to reduce smoking rates and regulate the tobacco industry, it ultimately comes down to the individual to make the choice to quit or not. As for me, I will continue to strive towards giving up this harmful habit and encourage others to do the same.