In February 2008, an article was published on the New York Times website regarding global statistics for cigarette smoking. It wasn’t a very pleasant find, though improvements have been recently cited from other literary establishments from around the world.
The Statistical Data
A study conducted by the World Health Organization elaborated on the number of cigarettes purchased by consumers on the global tobacco market in 2006 and was published in the article.
The study, by which Phillip Morris provides consumers with stunning numbers (in billions) of cigarettes sold:
- 184 were sold in US and Canada alone.
- 197 cigarettes were sold in the Asia Pacific region.
- 229 were passed onto consumers in countries in Eastern Europe.
- 242 cigarettes were sold in Western Europe.
Perhaps a recent shadowing of cigarette advertising campaigns may have something to do with that.
Cigarette Demands May be Proportional to Lung Cancer Prognosis
Nevertheless, demand for cigarettes has been climbing continually, with greater emphasis on developing nations. This may be due in part to the relative disadvantages these countries may have in terms of technology and overall quality of health care compared to nations that are considered world powers.
The exposure to certain chemical pollutants may hold prevalence in developing nations, especially when the technology and means to counteract environmentally harmful substances may not be so advanced as in modernized countries.
In fact, The World Health Organization advocates: “raising cigarette taxes, banning smoking in public places, enforcing laws against giving or advertising tobacco to children, monitoring tobacco use, warning people about the dangers and offering free or inexpensive help to smokers trying to quit,” in relation to Michael Bloomberg’s proposed global anti-smoking initiative.
The Bloomberg Foundation gave away at least $1 million towards the promotion of the project.
It is difficult to mention the extent of which political figures have addressed issues and are currently focusing on the agendas of the multi-billion dollar tobacco conglomerates however certain consumers are of a related topic that will surface along the way.
Lung cancer rates are increasing without any signs of positive prognosis, and if the worldwide cigarette-producing spectrum is not addressed soon, there may be a greater need for anti-smoking lobbyists before politicians decide to sanction tobacco products from being imported into the US.
Related Articles:
References:
 |
