As a citizen of the United Kingdom, I have been surrounded by the ubiquitous presence of cigarettes all my life. From advertisements to convenience store displays, it seems as though cigarettes have become ingrained in our society. However, after years of being bombarded with images of stylish smokers and the promise of a glamorous lifestyle, I have come to question the true cost of smoking in the UK.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the numbers. According to a study by Action on Smoking and Health, there are an estimated 9.4 million adult smokers in the UK. That’s nearly one in six people. In addition, the study found that smoking is responsible for over 79,000 deaths each year in England alone. These numbers are staggering, and it’s hard to believe that in this day and age, with all the advancements in science and technology, we are still facing such a high number of deaths due to smoking.
But beyond the statistics, I’ve also witnessed the toll that smoking takes on individuals. I’ve seen friends and family members struggle with addiction, spending their hard-earned money on cigarettes instead of more important things. I’ve watched loved ones suffer from health issues related to smoking, such as lung diseases and heart problems. And I’ve seen the destruction caused by secondhand smoke, with innocent non-smokers being exposed to the harmful chemicals and toxins emitted from cigarettes.
One of the most alarming things about cigarettes in the UK is their accessibility. With various brands readily available at every corner shop and gas station, it’s almost impossible to avoid them. And sadly, smoking is not just limited to adults. The same study by Action on Smoking and Health found that there are over 200,000 children in the UK who are regular smokers, with some as young as 11 years old. This is a frightening reality, and it begs the question – how are children getting their hands on cigarettes so easily?
Part of the problem lies in the way cigarettes are marketed and promoted in the UK. Despite laws and regulations in place, there are still loopholes that allow tobacco companies to advertise through various means. For example, I often see young, attractive individuals smoking in movies and TV shows, sending the message that smoking is cool and desirable. And while there are laws prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to those under 18, it seems that minors are still able to purchase them without difficulty.
Another factor that contributes to the widespread use of cigarettes in the UK is the affordability. Compared to other countries in Europe, cigarettes in the UK are relatively cheap, making it easier for people to maintain their addiction. In fact, the average cost of a pack of cigarettes in the UK is around £10, which may not seem like much, but can quickly add up for someone who smokes several packs a week. And for lower-income individuals, who may already be facing financial struggles, the high cost of cigarettes can be a burden.
But it’s not just the financial cost that we need to consider. The impact on the environment is also a significant concern. Every year, an estimated 122 tonnes of cigarette butts, made of plastic and toxic chemicals, are discarded on the streets of the UK. These butts can take up to 10 years to decompose, and during that time, they release harmful chemicals into the soil and water. This not only affects our health but also the health of our planet.
With all of these negative consequences, one would think that cigarettes in the UK would be facing stricter regulations and even a decline in usage. However, the tobacco industry continues to thrive, with a reported revenue of over £16 billion in 2020. And despite the recent implementation of plain packaging, which removes all branding and marketing from cigarette packages, it seems that cigarettes are still as popular as ever.
In my opinion, there needs to be more done to combat the issue of smoking in the UK. While there are smoking cessation programs and resources available, they are often underfunded and not easily accessible to those who need them. I believe that stricter laws and regulations are necessary, along with stricter enforcement to ensure that minors cannot purchase cigarettes. Additionally, stronger anti-smoking campaigns and education should be implemented to discourage people from starting to smoke in the first place.
In conclusion, as a UK citizen, I can attest to the harm that cigarettes are causing in our country. From the staggering number of deaths to the accessibility to minors, and the harm to the environment, it’s clear that something needs to change. We need to take a stand against the tobacco industry and prioritize the health and well-being of our citizens. I hope to see a future where cigarettes are no longer a societal norm, and individuals are not faced with the addictive and harmful effects of smoking.