Harmful Effects Of Smoking

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Every year thousands of people die because of lung cancer or other tobacco related

illnesses. Everyone in the world comes in contact with smoke from a cigarette at least

once in their lifetime, whether it is at a restaurant or at work. Millions of people are

addicted to smoking, and thousands more become addicted every year. Cigarettes and

other tobacco products are everywhere. Most of the addicted smokers started when they

were young (Roberts 18). The reason why people get addicted to any type of tobacco

product is because all tobacco products have nicotine in them, which is the addictive

ingredient (American Thoracic Society 22). Every time a person smokes a cigarette or

chews tobacco, that person ingests nicotine. I believe that the tobacco companies should

be liable for every tobacco-related death each year.

On the other hand, some people believe that everyone has a right to make their

own judgment about their life. My opponent, Rosalind Marimont argues drugs and

alcohol are more dangerous to society than tobacco (26). Second hand smoking is not a

danger to the health of the community (Marimont 26). There are health benefits for

people that do smoke tobacco (Marimont 27). So many people quit smoking each year, it

is so ridiculous to think that tobacco products are addicting argues Richard DeGrandpre

(39). The facts about tobacco and tobacco products have been shaded by the government

and government agencies to make smoking less acceptable and more inconvenient to

smokers and tobacco users Sullum argues (55). My opponents firmly believe that there

are no risks if a person starts smoking. As you will see, I will show extenuating facts that

disprove my opponents views on tobacco products.

My opponent states that smoking is not dangerous, however, I intend to

prove that smoking is dangerous not just to smokers, but to everyone as well. It is a

proven fact that smoking causes lung cancer and heart disease (American Thoracic Society

19). Every person that breathes the smoke of tobacco products is at risk for

tobacco-related illnesses. Even though smoking is not as publicized by the media as much

as illegal drugs, cigarettes are just as bad. Smoking cigarettes leads to the use of other

drugs that are more harmful to the person than cigarettes (Hall 22). If smoking was not
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...mber of teens that start smoking each year. Study after study has proven that

with smoking comes major health risks. Even people that do not smoke are at risk of

these heath problems. Statistics do not lie, one thousand people die everyday from

tobacco or tobacco related illnesses. Statistical data can not be altered in any way nor can

they be shaded by anyone. Tobacco products are not going to go away for good, however

the Food and Drug Administration should be given the authority to regulate the

advertising of tobacco companies. The only product the Food and Drug Administration

can not regulate is the manufacture, sale, packaging, and distribution of tobacco products

(Douglas 33). If the advertisements can be cut down, then many teenagers will not be

influenced to try them as much as they are now. Given this compromise, the tobacco

companies will still get money from the people that are already addicted, but it will greatly

reduce the amount of money they make each year. Tobacco products are always going to

be around, but I hope that the Food and Drug Administration will be able to regulate them

for the safety of not only adults, but for all of the children as well.

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