Growing up in the United Kingdom, I have been surrounded by cigarettes for as long as I can remember. From seeing adults smoking on street corners to the presence of cigarette packs in every convenience store, cigarettes have always been a part of everyday life in the UK. However, as I have grown older and become more aware of the dangers and impact of cigarettes, my perception has drastically changed. In this article, I will take you on a journey through the world of cigarettes in the UK and shed light on the various aspects of this controversial topic.
To begin with, let’s talk about the history of cigarettes in the UK. The first recorded use of tobacco in the UK dates back to the 16th century when it was brought over by the Spanish. It was initially used for medicinal purposes but soon gained popularity as a recreational activity. In the 20th century, cigarettes became more widely available and affordable, and smoking became a cultural norm. However, it wasn’t until the 1950s, with the introduction of scientific research linking smoking to lung cancer, that the negative aspects of smoking started to gain attention.
Fast forward to present day, cigarettes are one of the leading causes of preventable deaths and illnesses in the UK. According to a report by the Office for National Statistics, in 2019, around 14.1% of adults in the UK were cigarette smokers, with a higher prevalence among young adults aged 25 to 34 years. Additionally, smoking-related diseases such as lung cancer, coronary heart disease, and stroke cost the NHS an estimated £2.5 billion per year. These statistics are alarming and highlight the urgent need to address the issue of cigarettes in the UK.
One of the major factors contributing to the high prevalence of smoking in the UK is the ease of access to cigarettes. Unlike countries such as Canada and Australia, where cigarettes are hidden behind counters and require identification to purchase, cigarettes in the UK can be bought over the counter with no restrictions. This makes it easier for underage individuals to start smoking and for smokers to continue their habit without any barriers. To make matters worse, there are no restrictions on the marketing and advertising of cigarettes in the UK. This means that kids are exposed to catchy advertisements and enticing packaging, which normalizes and glamorizes smoking.
Another aspect that contributes to the popularity of cigarettes in the UK is its affordability. With an average price of £12 for a pack of 20 cigarettes, it is relatively cheaper compared to other European countries where prices can reach up to £14-£15. This lower cost makes it easier for individuals, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, to maintain their smoking habit. Additionally, cigarettes are not subject to the same taxes as other products, and this makes them more appealing to some individuals.
However, in recent years, the UK government has taken steps to address the issue of cigarettes and its impact on public health. In 2007, the government banned smoking in enclosed public places, such as restaurants and pubs, to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. This move was followed by the display ban on cigarettes in 2012, which prohibited retailers from displaying tobacco products at the point of sale. These measures have had a positive impact on reducing smoking rates in the UK, with a significant decrease seen among 18 to 24-year-olds. Additionally, in July 2020, the UK government announced plans to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes and flavoured rolling tobacco, with the goal of discouraging young people from smoking.
Apart from government intervention, there have been other initiatives aimed at reducing smoking rates in the UK. One such initiative is the use of graphic health warnings on cigarette packaging. Since 2008, all cigarette packs in the UK are required to carry a graphic warning depicting the harmful effects of smoking, such as lung cancer and heart disease. This has been shown to be an effective method in deterring individuals from starting to smoke or encouraging smokers to quit. In fact, a study by the University of Nottingham showed that 32% of smokers changed their behavior as a result of the graphic health warnings.
Additionally, there has been a rise in electronic cigarettes in the UK in recent years. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that vaporize a liquid containing nicotine, which is then inhaled by the user. Despite controversy surrounding their safety and efficacy as a smoking cessation tool, e-cigarettes have become a popular alternative to traditional cigarettes. According to a report by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), in 2019, around 3.2 million adults in the UK were using e-cigarettes, with the majority being ex-smokers. However, concerns remain about the potential long-term effects of e-cigarette use and the risks of them serving as a gateway to smoking for young people.
In conclusion, cigarettes in the UK have a long and complex history, and the issue surrounding them continues to be a contentious topic. Despite efforts by the government and various organizations to reduce smoking rates, the UK still has a significant number of individuals addicted to cigarettes. The challenges lie in addressing the many factors that contribute to the popularity of cigarettes, such as accessibility, affordability, and marketing. It is crucial that these issues are tackled effectively, in order to ensure a healthier and smoke-free future for the UK. As an individual, I urge you to think twice before lighting up that cigarette, not just for your own health but for the health of those around you.