From: WAMU.org
Lesley McClurg
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The R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. is blanketing the city with ads — on the radio, television, online and via direct mail — urging a “no” vote on Proposition E. The latest campaign finance contributions show that the tobacco giant, which produces Newport menthols, the country’s best-selling mint-flavored cigarette, has contributed more than $11 million to the “No on E” campaign in San Francisco.
Some of the anti-E ads feature vintage film clips of people smashing kegs during Prohibition and argue that approach didn’t stop the use of alcohol and drugs and won’t work for flavored tobacco, either.
San Francisco could become the first city in the nation to ban flavored tobacco products from all store shelves. The ban includes everything from candy-flavored e-cigarettes to conventional menthol smokes. City supervisors last year unanimously approved a ban on the products, but the tobacco industry funded a referendum, Proposition E, to put the issue before voters instead. San Francisco residents will decide in the June 5 election whether the ordinance goes into effect.
Tobacco includes the addictive chemical nicotine.
Tobacco smoke contains about 7,000 compounds, at least 70 of which are carcinogenic. Smokeless tobacco refers to tobacco that is not burned. There are at least 30 compounds known to cause cancer in smokeless tobacco, including nicotine. It is known to everyone that tobacco kills people. You all know that millions of people suffer or die from various heart diseases and cancer. It is increasing day by day but people are not giving any value to this matter. There are various things that makes the person bound to smoke reasons are peer pressure, misleading tv advertisement, lack of awareness and many more..
Tobacco is dangerous because it contains nicotine and other harmful chemicals that can cause a range of health problems. When tobacco is smoked or chewed, these chemicals are absorbed into the body, causing damage to various organs and systems. Here are some of the main reasons why tobacco is dangerous:
Cancer: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for several types of cancer, including lung cancer, throat cancer, and mouth cancer. These cancers can be life-threatening and can require extensive treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation.
Respiratory Problems: Smoking can cause various respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma. These conditions can make it difficult to breathe and can significantly reduce the quality of life.
Heart Disease: Tobacco use can cause heart disease and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Nicotine in tobacco raises blood pressure and heart rate, putting additional strain on the cardiovascular system.
Pregnancy Complications: Tobacco use during pregnancy can cause several complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. It can also increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Oral Health Problems: Tobacco use can cause several oral health problems such as gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
Addiction: Nicotine in tobacco is highly addictive, making it difficult for individuals to quit smoking or using other tobacco products.