Let me state the obvious: addictions are unhealthy. They reflect a lack of self-control and prevent us from making choices without external influence. They cloud a clear mind. However, what is worse is when the actions of a government entity obstruct our ability to overcome an addiction. One group in Washington, D.C., is doing just that.
As of 2024, statistics hold that approximately 480,000 Americans die from illnesses related to smoking annually. This is an increase from 418,690 deaths in 1990. Despite this rise, smoking still accounts for roughly 20% of all deaths.
In 2022, nearly 30 million Americans were smokers. Some smoke because they enjoy it and do so of their own free will. However, many others struggle to quit due to a developed addiction to nicotine. Nicotine is the addictive substance found in cigarettes, but it’s not the primary cause of the nearly half-million deaths that occur annually. Instead, the main danger comes from the toxic chemicals released during the burning of tobacco.
Unfortunately, misguided public health policies, driven by misinformed lawmakers, have resulted in unjustified opposition to safer alternatives for nicotine delivery, thereby hindering progress in overcoming smoking addiction.
Reducing the harm caused by tobacco is not a new concept. Nearly 50 years ago, tobacco researcher Michael Russell famously stated, “People smoke for the nicotine, but die from the tar.” Cigarettes contain almost 600 ingredients, which produce over 7,000 harmful chemicals when burned. These chemicals can lead to diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular issues, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The harm comes from the smoke, not the nicotine. […]
— Read More: issuesinsights.com
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