Introduction: Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks
The competition of cigarette companies and associated health risks has ignited debates on the ethical responsibility of the tobacco industry in addressing profound public health concerns linked to smoking. However, the critical issue is that, while cigarettes prove fatal for public health, they also face competition both within and outside the industry, notably with the emergence of e-cigarettes—a new phenomenon in the tobacco sector. Cigarettes not only contribute to fatal cancers but also give rise to various dental and asthmatic problems. Beneath these health concerns lies the challenge of competition, making cigarettes appealing to teenagers. Despite warning signs on cigarette packets, such as “Smoking is Injurious to Health,” the number of smokers continues to rise steadily. This poses a significant challenge to the younger generation, exposed more to enticing advertisements than warning messages.
According to the CDC, the number of deaths specifically attributed to tobacco smoking is increasing daily. Therefore, an effective strategy is imperative to counter this upward trend in deaths resulting from competition among cigarette companies and the competition from e-cigarettes. Stringent laws, increased taxes, and awareness campaigns about the risks of e-cigarettes are necessary to mitigate these fatalities.
Laws, Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks
The issue of implementing strict laws against smoking requires thorough debate, but progress in this direction is hindered without support from the medical community. Strict laws are essential because if teenagers face difficulty purchasing cigarettes, it becomes more challenging for them to engage in smoking. Immediate enactment and implementation of these laws are crucial to safeguard the well-being of future generations. According to Venciana-Suarez, “About 90 percent of all smokers begin smoking as teenagers, so it is very important that we keep young people from using or experimenting with any tobacco product” (Venciana-Suarez). Enforcing a stringent law that prohibits the sale of cigarettes to teens would effectively limit their availability.
Additionally, organizing special awareness campaigns within university and college classes could complement the impact of such laws. Educating teens about the risks associated with early smoking is crucial. Mayo Clinic has already taken steps in this direction on its website, advising, “Teen smoking is more common in teens whose parents smoke,” and urging parents who smoke to quit early, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of their teens becoming smokers. Even if these messages are not considered pearls of wisdom, they can, at the very least, protect the younger generation from falling victim to the competition among companies.
Real Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks
Within the context of increasing competition, raising cigarette prices can automatically lead to a decrease in the number of smokers. This is attributed to the economic principle that as prices rise, demand decreases, consequently reducing sales. Affordability becomes a significant factor as individuals find it challenging to purchase higher-priced cigarettes. Despite claims from cigarette companies asserting that price increases do not impact their sales, internal documents revealed in tobacco lawsuits tell a different story. According to an article titled “Raising Cigarette Taxes Reduces Smoking, Especially Among Kids,” cigarette companies have opposed tobacco tax increases by arguing against their effectiveness. However, the internal documents disclosed in these lawsuits reveal that the companies are well aware that raising cigarette prices is one of the most effective ways to prevent and reduce smoking, particularly among young people.
This evidence suggests that while tobacco companies may experience a reduction in profits due to price increases, the ultimate result is a decrease in the number of smokers. Amidst the competitive landscape, this reduction is likely to be more pronounced.
Smoking Industry, Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks
The introduction of e-cigarettes into the smoking industry has been somewhat delayed and gradual, gaining popularity for their perceived lower nicotine content. In a narrative shared by Palochko, a person who had smoked cigarettes for fifteen years managed to quit altogether within five years with the aid of e-cigarettes, illustrating the potential efficacy of this method (Palochko). This suggests that electronic cigarettes are increasingly being recognized as a substitute for traditional cigarettes in helping individuals quit smoking. However, there remains a lack of awareness among many regarding what electronic or e-cigarettes actually are.
Most people are unaware that e-cigarettes are a Chinese invention, akin to gunpowder. The first e-cigarettes were introduced by the Ruyan Company in 2004, and they come in various sizes and shapes, with many resembling traditional cigarettes. As explained in the article, “They all work the same basic way, with each cartridge being good for several uses” (Features). This highlights the evolving landscape of smoking alternatives and the potential impact of e-cigarettes in aiding individuals on their journey to quit smoking.
Conclusion: Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks
In short, it is accurate to acknowledge that competition is contributing to the rise in teen smoking, and it is equally true that smoking leads to a significant number of deaths each year. Implementing strict laws, raising prices, and introducing e-cigarettes at earlier stages could potentially prevent these deaths. Additionally, raising awareness among students about the health risks and deceptive tactics employed by companies to attract youths may better equip them not only to quit but also to avoid initiating smoking in the first place. There is hope that the future holds positive developments in the realm of smoking cessation or prevention.
Works Cited: Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks
- CDC. “Adult Cigarette Smoking in USA: Current Estimates.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 02 Feb. 2014. Web. 19 June 2023.
- Palochko, Jacqueline. “E-Cigarettes, a Solution to Addictive Smoking or Another Addiction to Worry About?” The Morning Call. 29 Nov. 2013. Web. 22 June 2023.
- Veciana-Suarez, Ana. “Teens’ Use of E-Cigarettes is Growing.” Miami Herald, South Florida. 12 Aug. 2013. Newspaper Source. Web. 27 June 2023.
- May Clinic Staff. “Tween and Teen Health.” Teen Smoking: 10 Ways to Keep Teens Smoke-Free. n.p. Web. 27 June 2023.
- “Raising Cigarette Taxes Reduces Smoking, Especially Among Kids (And the Cigarette Companies Know It”. n.d. Web. 27 June 2023.
- Feature, Daniel J. “E-Cigarettes Under Fire.” WebMD. n.d. Web. 27 June 2023
Relevant Questions about Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks
- How do ongoing competitive strategies among “Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks” impact efforts to address and mitigate the health risks associated with smoking?
- What measures are being taken within the “Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks” to prioritize public health over competitive interests, considering the well-documented risks posed by smoking?
- In the context of the “Competition of Cigarette Companies and Health Risks,” how are regulatory authorities working to enforce policies that effectively reduce health risks and protect consumers from the harmful effects of tobacco products?