While tobacco was used in various forms for centuries prior the to 19th Century in many parts of the world, what we generally understand as a cigarette was primarily the result of mass production rolling machines from the late 1860’s and on. The introduction of cigarette-rolling machines in the 19th century was a revolutionary period for the consumption of tobacco that increased reach to the general population. Cigarettes was an instant success from the start, eventually contributing a large portion of economic activity in many countries around the world. The high level of addictive qualities of the product meant that it was an ideal candidate for attaching various forms of government taxes being levied on without worries of decreasing demand.
Unlike cigarettes from a hundred years ago, the modern cigarettes contain numerous chemicals that increase taste, mask off putting smells and flavors of the natural tobacco’s burning and increase the chances of the smoker becoming addicted to the product. Modern cigarettes contain hundreds of chemical additives to enhance the appeal to the smoker. However, these chemicals are very harmful and are known to increase the chance of many diseases and illnesses including but not limited to: lung cancer, heart disease, diabetes, liver cancer, ectopic pregnancy, erectile dysfunction, vision loss, tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and colorectal cancer. In fact, according to the WHO, Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year. More than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke from smokers. All forms of tobacco are harmful, and there is no safe level of exposure to tobacco, but cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use worldwide. Over 80% of the 1.3 billion tobacco users worldwide live in low- and middle-income countries, where the economic burden of tobacco related illness and death is the heaviest. Tobacco use contributes to poverty by diverting household spending from basic needs such as food and shelter to tobacco, and its eventual health related treatment costs which is where you really pay. The economic costs of tobacco use are substantial and include significant health care costs for treating the diseases caused by tobacco use as well as the lost human capital that results from tobacco use related morbidity and mortality.
Against the backdrop of wasted economic resources and human life losses, one must mention that the increasing usage of tobacco and cigarettes by women has increased a whole host of diseases and illnesses that now many women suffer. The long list of health problems includes:
Reproductive issues
Trouble with pregnancy, irregular and painful periods, menopause at a younger age, and low estrogen levels resulting in mood swings, fatigue, and vaginal dryness.