MONDAY, MAY 20, 2024
Pradeep V Kamat
Smoking in the form of tobacco has been practised for centuries and has become part of various cultures around the world. Tobacco cultivation in America dates back as early as 5000 BC. The practice spread to other parts of the world through exploration and trade; becoming more widespread globally in centuries that followed.
Throughout early and mid 20th century smoking was widely prevalent and socially acceptable. Tobacco ads were extensive and often glamorized smoking. Smoking was allowed in most public places including hotels and restaurants, private and government offices, other work places ,hospitals and even in airplanes!
Even in late 70s and 80s smoking was Ubiquitous and largely accepted as social norm. It was not a ‘habit’ but a cultural phenomenon deeply ingrained in society. It was seen as normal part of life! It’s negative health effects were often downplayed and ignored.
In films too, (Hollywood, Bollywood or say other regional cinema), smoking was often portrayed by hero or villain in various styles to reflect the character’s persona or setting of the scene and atmosphere. This was prevalent till the end of 20th century. During my college days (late 70s) we friends even imitated actors after seeing a movie. Some of my colleagues staying in hostels actually smoked in style of actors. Some ‘experienced’ smokers even displayed the ring of smoke in air after deep puff and forceful exhalation. There was another guy Sebi (name changed) who was a heavy smoker and smoked day in and day out. We called him walking chimney! Then again while going to the college (St Xavier’s) from my village (Vagator) to Mapusa there was only one rickety bus ‘Indrayani’ but the obese driver Gaja was a chain smoker who lighted a new cigarette with the ember of previous one! He died soon at young age is another story.
Fast forward to present: The smoking ‘landscape’ has drastically changed and has undergone a dramatic shift. Though ill-effects of tobacco were well known earlier, serious and aggressive research started only in late 70s. As research advanced at fast pace around the world, in late 90s and early 21st century, reports started pouring in each day relating to serious health hazards linked to smoking. These included lung and mouth cancers, heart diseases, stroke, various respiratory illnesses such as asthma, copd (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), et al.
During these two decades, governments around the world began implementing regulations to restrict tobacco ads, packaging and sales. Heavy taxes (SGST+CGST)) on all tobacco products were levied upon. Smoking in public was subsequently banned in most of the countries including India (in 2003). Public perception towards smoking changed. From being widely accepted social norm of previous era, people began viewing smoking as harmful and slowly the habit became socially unacceptable in many circles.
Smoking graph declined drastically over a period of two decades and along with SHS (second hand smoke) too, also called passive smoking, which was equally harmful. The tobacco industry slowly, though reluctantly, began to adapt to changing regulations.
Though now youngsters as well as adults use different smoking ‘alternatives’, such as hookah, vaping, e-cigarette, etc, all risks mentioned above remain!
Having said all that, consuming tobacco in any form still remains the cause of billions of preventable deaths nationwide as well as across the globe!
