Smoking cigarettes is detrimental to health due to the numerous harmful substances present in tobacco smoke. The inhalation of toxic chemicals, such as nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and various carcinogens, has been linked to a multitude of serious health conditions. Long-term smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases,
respiratory disorders like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer, as well as contributing to an increased risk of stroke and other cancers. Additionally, smoking adversely affects overall lung function, leading to difficulties in breathing and decreased physical stamina. The negative impact on health is well-established, supported by extensive research and evidence from organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
But Not That Long Ago…….
In the 1930s and 40s, before the dangers of cigarettes were well known, many doctors were enthusiastic smokers. Advertisers were keen to make use of this, with the biggest brands battling it out to be the “healthiest” choice. US public health researchers believe American Tobacco was the first firm to use doctors in advertising. For a long time, physicians were the authority on health. Patients trusted in their doctors’ education and expertise and, for the most part, followed their advice.
When health concerns about cigarettes began to receive public attention in the 1930s, tobacco companies took preemptive action. They capitalized on the public’s trust of physicians in order to quell concerns about the dangers of smoking. Thus was born the use of physicians in cigarette advertisements. Cigarettes were frequently endorsed by doctors and dentists, and they were promoted with an array of medical-sounding claims ranging from “less irritating to the nose and throat” to “improves digestion” to “helps maintain slender figures.” Chesterfield boldly announced the results of a ten month scientific study in one ad:
The tobacco industry has falsely promoted low harm versions of their products for decades. However, light, low tar or filtered cigarettes are not any less dangerous. In fact, a federal judge convicted the major tobacco companies on racketeering charges in part because they lied to the public with their health claims. The truth is that the risk of dying from smoking has increased over the last 50 years at the same time that most smokers switched to these falsely advertised “healthier” cigarette types.
“Nose throat and accessory organs not adversely affected by smoking Chesterfield,” while Camels could claim that “noted throat specialists concluded that not one case of throat irritation was due to smoking Camels.” No mention was made on its effect on the subjects lungs!
“Smooth” cartoon characters such as Joe Camel were deployed to appeal to young audiences at an impressionable age. One 1991 study found Joe Camel was at least as well-known as Mickey Mouse among 3- to 6-year-olds. Cartoons became so effective at addicting kids to tobacco, they were prohibited as part of the historic tobacco Master Settlement Agreement 46 states and the District of Columbia reached with the five largest tobacco companies in 1998.
Further Reading
Sources
- “Did Winston Cigarettes Promote ‘Smoking for Two’?” https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/winston-cigarettes-smoking-for-two/
- “Smoking” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking
- “Outrageous vintage cigarette ads” https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/outrageous-vintage-cigarette-ads/
- “Cigarettes were once ‘physician’ tested, approved” https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-oncology/20120325/cigarettes-were-once-physician-tested-approved
- “Remember When Cigarettes Were Good For You?” https://news.sky.com/story/remember-when-cigarettes-were-good-for-you-10371944
- “Smoking- Just What the Doctor Ordered” https://envisioningtheamericandream.com/2014/01/27/smoking-just-what-the-doctor-ordered/
- World Health Organization (WHO). Tobacco. [Link: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/tobacco]
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Health Effects of Cigarette Smoking. [Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/health_effects/effects_cig_smoking/index.htm]
