Biology/Heath Effects
Tobacco’s greatest down falls, and most important faults, are its negative health effects. Tobacco has been proven to be the number one cause of lung cancer. There are over 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes, and 70 of these are known to be carcinogens. As well as cancer, tobacco results in increase risk in Atherosclerosis, Aneurysms, Cardiovascular disease, Coronary Heart disease, strokes, and Peripheral arterial disease. Another problem with health is Second hand smoking. Between 70% and 90% of non-smokers in the American population, children and adults, are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke. This is a very big issue with tobacco because smokers around the world are effecting even the non-smokers, and are leaving them with the risk for more health issues.
Collective Learning
Tobacco also crosses the threshold of collective learning. Over the years people have gained knowledge on tobacco and have realized how harmful it can be. An example of a past view on tobacco is a quote by Thomas Hariot. In 1588, Hariot describes his view tobacco in A Brief and True Report of the New Found Land of Virginia.
“There is an herb called uppowoc, which sows itself. In the West Indies it has several names, according to the different places where it grows and is used, but the Spaniards generally call it tobacco. Its leaves are dried, made into powder, and then smoked by being sucked through clay pipes into the stomach and head. The fumes purge superfluous phlegm and gross humors from the body by opening all the pores and passages. Thus its use not only preserves the body, but if there are any obstructions it breaks them up. By this means the natives keep in excellent health, without many of the grievous diseases which often afflict us in England.”
This demonstrates the false opinions and facts that past tobacco users were exposed to. Over time, more research has been completed to gain a better understanding on tobacco. Nowadays, people are aware of the effects, therefore many people are opposed to smoking.
“There is an herb called uppowoc, which sows itself. In the West Indies it has several names, according to the different places where it grows and is used, but the Spaniards generally call it tobacco. Its leaves are dried, made into powder, and then smoked by being sucked through clay pipes into the stomach and head. The fumes purge superfluous phlegm and gross humors from the body by opening all the pores and passages. Thus its use not only preserves the body, but if there are any obstructions it breaks them up. By this means the natives keep in excellent health, without many of the grievous diseases which often afflict us in England.”
This demonstrates the false opinions and facts that past tobacco users were exposed to. Over time, more research has been completed to gain a better understanding on tobacco. Nowadays, people are aware of the effects, therefore many people are opposed to smoking.