Effects Of Smoking On The United States - 1570 Words

World-wide efforts have increased to alarm people of the danger in consuming tobacco products, both first hand and second hand. In recent years, reports have proven a decline in smoking. However, there are still millions of people that smoke in the United State of America. As a result, the effect of smoking has become a major health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death, disease, and disability in the US. The health hazards attributable to exposure to Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) are very pronounced. Tobacco is composed of more than 7,000 chemical compounds, with the inclusion of at least 69 known carcinogens. Smoking can cause†¦show more content†¦Substantial progress has been made in protecting individuals from the effects of tobacco. However, many more efforts are needed at the local, state, and federal level in enforcing policies to reduce exposure. More than a half million adults, age 18 and over, currently smoke in Mississippi, making it among the states with the highest smoking population (CDC). There is an array of avenues to take in reducing the inhalation of these harmful toxins. Such interventions can involve the passage of smoking ordinances, to name a few. An intervention that particularly comes to mind is requiring that restaurants and bars be smoke-free. â€Å"As each year passes, Mississippians continue to see the benefits of a smoke-free environment (Partnership for a Health Mississippi).† At the moment, Mississippi has ten (10) cities in which current law requires all restaurants and bars to be 100% smoke-free. These cities include Aberdeen, Clinton, Greenville (exempts private clubs), Gulf Port, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Moss Point, Ridgeland, Starkville, and Tupelo. Cities that are in the process of enacting 100% smoke-free restaurants and bars include Forest and Meridian. Cities with partial ordinanc es (1 or more restaurants, but not all) include Biloxi, Laurel, and Ocean Springs. Since Biloxi is a major tourist spot for organizations, families, and etc., this city would benefit greatly for incorporating an ordinance requiring 100% smoke-free restaurants and bars. One potential