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1. Essay on the Harmful Effects of Smoking No. 4
In our lives, we often see people who smoke cigarettes. For a long time, smoking was an integral part of Vietnamese life. Cigarettes were present in offices, homes, and on the streets, at parties, weddings, and even funerals. However, smoking is extremely harmful to health, yet not everyone fully understands the risks. Even when people are aware of the dangers, quitting is not easy for many smokers.
Cigarettes are made primarily from tobacco leaves, which are shredded, wrapped in paper, and formed into cylindrical shapes. Cigarettes are lit at one end to produce smoke, which is inhaled by the smoker. The term 'cigarette' refers specifically to tobacco rolled into a small, cylindrical shape, while 'tobacco' refers more generally to the substance. Common types of cigarettes include filtered and unfiltered varieties, as well as cigars and bidis.
Many people smoke for various reasons: to relax, to feel better, to focus, or to escape sadness. Some start smoking by imitating others or due to peer pressure. Young people may see smoking as a sign of adulthood or sophistication.
Regardless of the reasons, smoking is extremely harmful. Nicotine in cigarettes is as addictive as cocaine or heroin, and quitting is very difficult once the addiction takes hold. Smokers may continue out of habit or addiction, even after realizing the harmful effects.
Cigarette smoke contains over 400 chemicals, most of which are toxic. Among these, 43 are known carcinogens. When smoking, these harmful substances enter the body and cause various serious illnesses. Nicotine is a highly addictive and toxic substance found in cigarettes. Just one drop of nicotine can kill a rabbit, and seven drops can kill a horse. Once someone starts smoking, their body becomes gradually dependent on nicotine.
Nicotine creates a sensation similar to opiates and heroin, making it difficult for addicts to quit. Diseases caused by smoking include gastrointestinal issues, such as gastritis and ulcers; respiratory problems like bronchitis, laryngitis, and gum disease; skin issues like early wrinkles and yellow-brown discoloration of fingers; and even cancers.
Vietnam is one of the countries with the highest smoking rates in the world, with about 40,000 deaths annually due to smoking-related diseases—almost four times the number of deaths from traffic accidents. According to the Director of the Central Lung and Respiratory Diseases Hospital, half of all smokers will die prematurely due to smoking-related diseases, losing 12-25 years of life expectancy.
Smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancer cases and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancers by 10-15 times. Smoking also impacts reproduction, reducing fertility in both men and women. It decreases sperm quality and quantity, increases white blood cells in semen, and impairs ejaculation. Erectile dysfunction is twice as likely in smokers.
For women, smoking causes early menopause, reduced fertility, and increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirths. Smokers not only harm themselves but also their loved ones. Passive smoking can be just as harmful as active smoking, especially for children. It increases the risk of respiratory infections like bronchitis and pneumonia and exacerbates asthma. If you spend just one hour a day in a room with a smoker, your risk of lung cancer is 100 times higher than living for 20 years in a building contaminated with arsenic.
Globally, smoking kills 5 million people annually—more than the combined deaths from traffic accidents, tuberculosis, and AIDS. If nothing is done to curb smoking, this number will reach 10 million within 25 years, with two-thirds of the victims in developing countries.
In Vietnam, where smoking rates are high (56% of men), over 50% of non-smokers are exposed to secondhand smoke for at least 30 minutes a day. Surveys in five provinces show that six out of every ten students are exposed to secondhand smoke at home.
Health problems are especially severe for people working in the tobacco industry. Many suffer from 'green tobacco sickness' due to nicotine absorption through the skin. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues.
In addition to health concerns, smoking causes significant economic damage. Cigarettes are a leading cause of poverty in Vietnam, pushing 1.3 million people into poverty. Smokers spend large amounts of money on cigarettes, negatively impacting family finances, especially in low-income households.
The medical costs of treating smokers and those affected by secondhand smoke are substantial, with some families unable to bear the burden. Smoking leads to high healthcare expenses, particularly for chronic diseases like cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
On a national scale, smoking reduces land available for agricultural production, as more land is used for tobacco farming, which is more profitable. It also creates massive waste from cigarette packaging and litter. Healthcare costs and lost work productivity from smoking-related illnesses place a heavy burden on the economy.
Smoking also poses a fire risk, leading to severe fires and forest destruction. In Vietnam, each smoker spends 700,000 VND annually on cigarettes. With 12 million smokers, the country spends over 8.2 trillion VND a year on tobacco—money that could be better spent on food for 10.6 million people or buying 1.5 million tons of rice.
Like the global trend, smoking in Vietnam is most prevalent among low-income groups. Tobacco expenditures account for a significant portion of their already limited budgets, affecting their spending on clothing, education, and healthcare. A recent survey shows that spending on cigarettes in Vietnam is 3.6 times higher than on education and 2.5 times higher than on clothing, nearly double the amount spent on healthcare. The health problems caused by smoking add to the financial burden, leading to growing poverty among smokers.
So, what are we doing to eliminate smoking, especially among the youth? The global community is working to eradicate tobacco. World No Tobacco Day is observed on May 31st every year. Recently, the World Health Organization released a report on 'Tobacco and Children's Rights,' which outlines the rights of children to be free from the dangers of smoking, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Vietnam has joined the fight with National No Tobacco Week. Since 2007, the government has mandated warnings about the dangers of smoking on cigarette packages. However, the simple warning 'Smoking can cause cancer' has not been enough to deter smokers. From January 1, 2010, smoking in public places was officially banned in Vietnam, according to a directive from the Prime Minister.
Public places where smoking is prohibited include schools, libraries, healthcare facilities, theaters, cultural centers, workplaces, and areas with a high risk of fire. Individuals, especially young people, should never try smoking and should always say no to tobacco. Although quitting smoking is difficult, with determination and willpower, it is possible to quit.
The vicious cycle of poverty, ignorance, smoking, illness, and poverty will never end if tobacco is not eliminated from people's lives. By participating in the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, Vietnam is working toward this goal. Together, we can strive for a tobacco-free world, and only then can we hope to remove smoking from our lives.
2. Essay on the Harmful Effects of Smoking - Example 5
As society progresses, along with many beneficial innovations, there are still negative aspects that cause concern. One major issue that remains unsolved is how to rid humanity of the dangerous addiction to cigarettes, as it continues to be a root cause of numerous social problems.
Cigarettes are products made from tobacco leaves, shredded and wrapped into small rolls for consumption. The primary harmful component in cigarettes is nicotine, a toxic substance that not only reduces life expectancy but is also a major cause of cancer. Today, cigarettes come in various forms such as filtered, unfiltered, and cigars.
Smoking is undeniably a social problem. It harms both individuals and society, and it affects all people, regardless of age or gender. This demand has led to the division of cigarettes into two categories: cigarettes for men and for women.
We often see warnings on cigarette packaging, such as 'Smoking is harmful to health,' yet for some reason, people continue to ignore these warnings and keep smoking. This is because cigarettes contain addictive substances that make users dependent on them. So, what are the actual harms of smoking?
First and foremost, smoking has a significant impact on health. According to a study from an American university, cigarettes contain over 4,000 chemicals, of which 200 are harmful to health, including addictive and toxic substances that are the leading causes of lung cancer.
Smokers face an increased risk of heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart attacks, and also suffer from fertility issues. Smokers have a shorter life expectancy, living 5-8 years less than non-smokers, meaning each cigarette smoked costs approximately 5.5 minutes of your life.
In addition to affecting the smoker’s health, secondhand smoke is a serious threat to those around them. Children, adults, and pregnant women who are exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to develop throat, cognitive, and physical health issues. Pregnant women who inhale smoke increase the risk of preterm birth, miscarriage, and even death. Infants with smoking parents are more likely to suffer from cleft palates and brain cancer, with the risk being over 40% higher than in children with non-smoking parents.
Beyond the health consequences, smoking also leads to significant economic losses. On average, each Vietnamese smoker spends approximately 700,000 VND per year on cigarettes. With around 12 million smokers in Vietnam, this amounts to over 8.2 trillion VND annually just for buying tobacco.
This figure is 3.6 times greater than the amount spent on education, 2.5 times greater than the expenditure on clothing, and twice as much as healthcare spending. This amount could instead provide food for 11 million people for a whole year. Not to mention, the government will spend millions of dollars treating illnesses caused by tobacco-related diseases.
Ironically, in poorer countries, smoking rates are much higher, while in developed countries, smoking has dramatically decreased. In Western nations, tobacco use is considered illegal in many cases. This explains why cancer rates in developing and impoverished countries are rising, and why hunger continues to plague these areas.
The root cause is that we have yet to control and limit cigarette consumption effectively. Smoking should be recognized as a major social vice that needs to be eradicated. For those who have not yet smoked, it’s crucial to avoid starting. For those who are addicted, consider the future of yourself and your loved ones and work toward quitting. Although quitting is extremely difficult, with determination, anything can be overcome.
Cigarettes are slowly destroying humanity. Therefore, even while still in school, you must understand the severe dangers of smoking and take proactive measures to avoid it. Protect your own life and the lives of those around you by saying no to smoking.
3. Essay on the Harmful Effects of Smoking - Example 6
Currently, cigarette packaging globally features warnings such as "Smoking is harmful to health" or "Smoking may cause lung cancer." So, does smoking truly impact our health, and if so, how does it affect us? Is it only the smoker who suffers, or does it also harm those around them? These are important questions we must address to ensure society understands the severe consequences of the "tobacco" epidemic on public health and well-being.
First, let's discuss tobacco. It is a product made from tobacco leaves that are shredded, dried, and rolled into cigarettes. A cigarette consists of a burning end that produces smoke and a filter that allows the smoker to inhale it. Today, cigarettes come in a variety of forms, and the tobacco industry thrives due to the large number of smokers worldwide.
According to global statistics, as of March 2018, the tobacco industry produces around 5.5 trillion cigarettes annually, consumed by approximately 1.1 billion people. These figures are concerning as they show that many people continue to use this harmful product, with each smoker consuming an average of 5,000 cigarettes per year.
Smoking results in more than 7 million deaths annually, with an additional 900,000 people dying from passive smoking. In Vietnam, the situation is equally alarming; the country ranks among the top 15 countries with the highest smoking rates. On average, about 40,000 people die every year due to smoking-related diseases, and by 2030, this number could rise to 70,000.
While 15 million people smoke, the number of people affected by second-hand smoke is nearly double—33 million. What makes tobacco so appealing? In reality, cigarettes contain nothing beneficial for the human body; on the contrary, they are extremely harmful.
The World Health Organization has classified tobacco smoke as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is directly harmful to both smokers and those exposed to even small amounts of second-hand smoke. Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including more than 60 known carcinogens, such as nicotine, carbon monoxide, tar, carbon, arsenic, and benzene. These substances directly impact the bloodstream, nervous system, and endocrine system.
For smokers, the immediate effects can include sore throats, laryngitis, and pneumonia, while long-term exposure can lead to serious diseases like throat cancer, esophageal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer. Smoking is also the leading cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Additionally, smoking harms sexual health in both men and women, reducing fertility and increasing the risk of infertility.
For teenagers and children, imitating adults who smoke can lead to severe health consequences and may also contribute to other social issues such as theft and deceit. Smoking is a costly habit, and when children can't afford cigarettes, they may resort to stealing to fund their addiction.
The harmful effects of smoking are not limited to the smoker but also impact those around them. These people, often exposed to tobacco smoke in public places, workplaces, or even in their own homes, are especially vulnerable to its effects. Children, women, and pregnant women are particularly at risk.
For pregnant women, exposure to cigarette smoke can result in miscarriage, birth defects, premature birth, low birth weight, or even stillbirth. For children, their delicate bodies are more susceptible to respiratory diseases, asthma, and cognitive impairments. Passive smokers, in general, have a higher risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who do not inhale second-hand smoke.
In addition to health risks, smoking also imposes significant economic costs. It not only drains money from smokers but also burdens the healthcare system with the treatment of diseases caused by smoking. The costs are borne not only by active smokers but also by those exposed to second-hand smoke, creating enormous financial burdens on society, including the loss of productivity and workforce. Tobacco is truly a societal burden.
The harmful effects of smoking are undeniable, affecting our health, economy, and society, both directly and indirectly. We must make a firm decision to say no to smoking—first for our own health, then for the well-being of our families, and finally to protect a smoke-free environment for those around us. Every individual must recognize their responsibility in preventing tobacco use and work together to safeguard a clean and healthy atmosphere, a civilized society, and a prosperous economy.
4. Expository Essay on the Harmful Effects of Tobacco - Version 7
5. Explanatory Essay on the Dangers of Smoking - Article 8
Did you know that Vietnam ranks among the top 15 countries with the highest number of smokers in the world? Every day, approximately 15 million people in our country smoke, and this number continues to rise, with a troubling trend of younger individuals taking up smoking. Nearly 50% of men in Vietnam smoke, mostly those between the ages of 25 and 45.
Annually, around 40,000 people die in Vietnam due to diseases caused by smoking, and roughly 5 deaths occur every hour. These alarming statistics highlight the grave consequences of smoking, a deadly habit that has become a major environmental threat.
So, what exactly is in cigarettes that makes them so dangerous? A single cigarette contains around 7,000 toxic chemicals, 60 of which are known carcinogens. The most harmful of these is nicotine, a bitter-tasting, odorless liquid that easily enters the body through the mouth, lungs, and even skin. Additionally, cigarette smoke contains various substances that stimulate tumor growth, which may not have an immediate effect but gradually build up in the body.
With these ingredients, tobacco is effectively a death sentence for those who use it. Globally, around 5 million people die each year due to smoking, a figure higher than deaths caused by traffic accidents, tuberculosis, and AIDS combined. If no measures are taken to stop this trend, that number could double to 10 million in just 30 years.
Smokers also tend to live 5 to 8 years less than non-smokers. Essentially, every cigarette smoked reduces one’s life by approximately 5.5 minutes. The ultimate result of smoking may not be immediate, which is why many smokers or victims of this epidemic do not feel an overwhelming sense of fear or urgency to quit.
So, how does smoking slowly destroy human health? First, smoke enters the lungs, which are the first organs affected. While lung cancer is the most severe consequence of smoking, cigarette smoke can also cause bronchitis, pneumonia, and the most alarming condition of all—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The smoke irritates the airways, leading to inflammation, excess mucus production, and paralysis of the cilia that help expel toxins from the lungs. Prolonged inflammation can result in chronic conditions, where even light physical exertion causes shortness of breath and eventually, the symptoms persist even without activity. This can ultimately lead to respiratory failure.
The impact of these conditions is significant, as they severely limit the individual’s ability to work, perform daily tasks, and result in a substantial decrease in quality of life, raising the risk of premature death.
But lung damage is just the beginning. Smoking is linked to many other life-threatening diseases, including cancers, heart disease, and memory loss. Few realize that smoking also has serious consequences for reproductive health.
For men, smoking can reduce sperm count by up to 75%, significantly lowering fertility. For women, especially those who are pregnant, smoking directly harms the fetus, increasing the risks of miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, birth defects, and congenital heart and respiratory disorders.
In addition, smokers often suffer from yellowed teeth, bad breath, and body odor. Their skin tends to look dull and wrinkled. Smoking also carries a stigma, particularly in public spaces like offices or buses. People who smoke in such places are often seen as disrespectful and inconsiderate, especially in areas frequented by children.
Another concerning issue is that many students, especially boys, are now smoking regularly. It’s not uncommon to see a student in uniform puffing on a cigarette in public, or even hiding their habit in school bathrooms. This not only tarnishes the school environment but also exacerbates the harmful effects of smoking.
Moreover, smoking doesn’t just harm the smoker. It also severely affects those who breathe in secondhand smoke, a phenomenon known as passive smoking. According to 2015 data from the Ministry of Health, 67.6% of people are exposed to secondhand smoke at home, and 49% at work. Exposure rates are particularly high for women (70%) and children (nearly 50%).
Cigarette smoke is also a significant environmental pollutant, lingering in the air for up to two hours, even if it’s not visible or detectable by smell. Those who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke essentially inhale the equivalent of 5 cigarettes per day. Health experts have repeatedly warned about the dangers of secondhand smoke for children living in households with smokers.
Children exposed to tobacco smoke are at a higher risk of respiratory diseases, ear infections, and weakened lung function. Adults living in such environments face a 20-30% higher risk of developing cancer. According to the World Health Organization, 600,000 people die each year from the effects of secondhand smoke, and this number is expected to rise without intervention to reduce tobacco pollution in our environments.
Today, nearly all cigarette packaging displays warnings about the dangers of smoking, such as: Smoking causes lung cancer, throat cancer, heart disease, and slow, painful death...
So, why hasn’t the production and sale of tobacco been banned? Is it because the economic benefits are too great? When we look at the financial burden of smoking in our country, it’s shocking—smoking costs 3.6 times more than educational expenses, 2.5 times more than clothing, and nearly twice as much as healthcare costs. It’s surprising that tobacco is still produced, sold, and even smuggled across borders.
According to the World Health Organization, most smokers live in developing countries. Given the severe health and economic consequences of smoking, it’s clear that tobacco use is both a companion to illness and poverty. Developing nations are struggling to thrive, and tobacco is a significant barrier to economic growth. Let’s not let ourselves, or our country, falter due to ignorance.
6. Expository Essay on the Dangers of Smoking No. 9
The plague, cholera, and millions of deaths have been largely eradicated thanks to advancements in medicine. While the world is still grappling with the threat of AIDS, a new crisis has emerged: smoking.
Along with other social issues, smoking has become one of the most significant threats to human life. Smoking harms the body in profound ways, leading to diseases of the lungs, heart, and liver. Scientific studies have shown that smoking regularly for many years drastically reduces life expectancy compared to those who don’t smoke. But why is this the case?
Cigarettes contain addictive substances like cocaine, which can induce temporary pleasure for the smoker, but they also come with severe consequences. Over time, smoking coats the lungs with a black film, and the more one smokes, the larger this black layer becomes, leading to further damage. Smoking not only affects the individual but also harms those around them, such as spouses and children, who inhale toxic smoke and suffer from heart disease, bronchitis, and even cancer. In fact, non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at a much higher risk of developing these diseases, with the likelihood being up to ten times higher than that of smokers themselves.
Smoking near a pregnant woman is particularly harmful and can be considered a criminal act. Smoking not only damages personal health but also affects the economy at both the individual and societal levels. A person who initially starts smoking may consume a small amount, but as smoking is highly addictive, the quantity and frequency of smoking increases quickly.
As a result, money that could be spent on caring for a family or supporting charitable causes is wasted on cigarettes. This is a tragic outcome, especially considering that cigarette packs carry the warning “Smoking is harmful to your health,” and the high import taxes on cigarettes further damage the country’s economy.
Thus, smoking negatively impacts individual finances, the national economy, and the global economy. Many young people today, including women, start smoking to appear mature or cool. They believe that carrying a cigarette and puffing smoke is a sign of sophistication, which is a dangerous mindset.
In fact, smoking has a significant impact on one’s character. Fathers and brothers who smoke not only poison their own bodies but also set a bad example for younger generations. It’s worth noting that in both Vietnamese and global cinema, even the most respected police officers or leaders are often shown deep in thought, contemplating difficult issues, while smoking a cigarette. This portrayal only encourages others to smoke.
The smoking epidemic is not an isolated issue. It’s easy to see how the transition from smoking to alcohol or drugs is not a far leap. Smoking often serves as the gateway to other societal problems. Smoking and its associated environment are closely linked, even though it may not seem obvious at first glance.
Moreover, smoking pollutes the environment. In addition to industrial and vehicle emissions, cigarette smoke contributes to environmental degradation and harms human health. Given its detrimental effects on health, economy, character, and the quality of life, it is essential for individuals, communities, and the global population to actively combat smoking. This should not be limited to mere words or slogans but requires everyone to take personal responsibility and act.
If every individual, every family, and every community commits to not smoking, not purchasing, and not selling tobacco, the world would be a better place.
7. Expository Essay on the Dangers of Smoking No. 10
Cigarettes not only harm the environment but also have a serious impact on human health. Smoking can lead to dangerous diseases for both the smoker and those around them. This is why it is crucial to quit smoking as soon as possible.
Tobacco affects not just the smoker, but also the people nearby. It’s estimated that 5 million people die each year due to smoking. Scientific research has revealed that cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, over 200 of which are harmful to health. Among these, 43 are known carcinogens, particularly responsible for lung cancer. Smoking not only harms health but also jeopardizes human reproduction.
In addition to lung cancer, smoking is linked to a wide range of other cancers, including those of the mouth, throat, colon, esophagus, liver, and kidneys. Studies have shown that smokers live, on average, 5 to 8 years less than non-smokers. In other words, smoking one cigarette costs you approximately 5.5 minutes of life. So, is it only smokers who suffer the harmful effects of smoking?
Non-smokers who inhale secondhand smoke are at risk of developing both chronic and acute diseases, affecting their throat, ears, brain function, and physical health. Pregnant women who smoke are at a higher risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and even infant mortality.
Babies born to fathers who smoke before or during pregnancy have double the risk of cleft lip and palate, leukemia, and a 40% higher chance of brain cancer compared to babies born to non-smoking fathers. These are not insignificant consequences.
It is estimated that each year, the people of Vietnam spend 8.2 trillion VND on cigarettes. This amount is enough to feed 10.6 million people. The money spent on tobacco in Vietnam is 3.6 times higher than the costs for education, 2.5 times higher than the spending on clothing, and almost double the amount spent on healthcare.
Moreover, the diseases caused by smoking increase the economic burden on families and lead to a loss of workforce. Smoking drives the poor even further into poverty. In fact, for many families, the costs associated with treating smoking-related illnesses often exceed the cost of buying cigarettes. When a young person in the family falls ill due to smoking, the family has to bear the costs of treatment and care, as well as the loss of time. Thus, smoking brings about a host of additional problems.
Many countries around the world, such as the United States and Canada, have rapidly reduced smoking rates. In many Western countries, smoking in public places like restaurants, hospitals, and schools is now illegal. As smoking is being boycotted in these nations, tobacco companies have turned their attention to developing countries, where the public’s awareness is still limited, in an effort to expand their market.
Quitting smoking is not difficult; all it takes is determination. The most important step is making the decision to quit. Before you quit, you need to be clear about what you want, not just what your family or friends want for you. Set goals for your future and create a plan to achieve them, keeping your focus on these objectives. Smoking may still tempt you during this journey, but with determination, you can overcome it.
One effective way to quit is to chew gum whenever you feel the urge to smoke. Gradually, this habit will replace the addiction to cigarettes. Even after you’ve quit, occasional cravings may arise. Be prepared to handle these situations. Quitting smoking is not easy, but many people have succeeded.
Smoking impacts not only the individual’s health and finances but also affects society as a whole. Therefore, everyone should quit smoking to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the environment, while also reducing the burden on society and contributing to the economic development of the country.
8. Expository Essay on the Dangers of Smoking No. 1
As society continues to advance, humans are given more attention, yet there remain numerous factors that harm our health. One of the most prominent of these is tobacco.
Cigarette packages all carry the warning "Smoking is harmful to health," yet despite this caution, people continue to smoke. Smoking leads to yellowing of the teeth and fingers, bad breath, and is even a social habit for some, especially during social gatherings. Both adults and children are involved. What leads to this harmful habit? Partly because of social interactions, partly due to peer pressure, or a desire to appear "cool" or sophisticated.
Most smokers are aware of the dangers of smoking. Cigarettes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance. Prolonged smoking can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and can even lead to lung diseases such as emphysema or cancer. Thus, smoking severely reduces both health and lifespan.
Moreover, smoking drains personal finances. The amount spent on cigarettes may seem small, but if one avoided smoking, those funds could be allocated to more useful things. For children, imitating smoking not only harms their health but also distorts their character, potentially leading to dishonesty or petty theft to fund their smoking habits.
Smoking doesn’t just harm the smoker but also negatively affects those around them. Secondhand smoke spreads through the air, putting others at risk as well. Even today, in public places like bus stations, schools, and government offices, we often encounter people smoking without considering the impact on their health or the discomfort it causes those nearby.
By doing this, they indirectly harm public health and contribute to environmental degradation. According to the latest data from the World Health Organization (WHO), if smoking continues at this rate, by 2020, smoking-related deaths will reach 8 million per year, surpassing deaths from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and traffic accidents combined. Will this alarming forecast make smokers rethink their habits?
Given the dangers of smoking, what can be done to stop it? Perhaps more public awareness campaigns are needed to highlight its dangers. Smoking should be regarded as a behavior that reflects addiction and a lack of self-control. The most important factor, however, is personal awareness. We must actively choose to avoid cigarettes to protect both our own health and the health of our loved ones.
Smoking is harmful. It endangers health. Therefore, the younger generation must stand together and say NO to smoking!
9. Expository Essay on the Dangers of Smoking No. 2
Cigarettes are harmful not only to the smokers themselves but also to those around them. It is important for us to understand their dangers, refrain from smoking, and assist our loved ones in quitting as well.
We could fill countless pages discussing the harmful effects of smoking. Each year, 5 million people worldwide die from smoking-related diseases, more than the combined fatalities from accidents, tuberculosis, and AIDS. Without intervention, this number will rise to 10 million in the next 25 years, with two-thirds of the deaths occurring in developing countries. But what exactly makes cigarettes so dangerous?
There are over 4,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke, more than 200 of which are harmful to health. Among these are addictive substances, toxins, and 43 known carcinogens. Smoking increases the risk of death by 30 to 80%, primarily due to cancers (especially lung cancer), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and reproductive problems affecting both men and women.
Additionally, smoking impairs blood circulation, raises heart rate, and damages your overall health, leading to other types of cancer such as those of the mouth, colon, throat, esophagus, liver, and kidneys. Studies show that smokers' life expectancy is 5 to 8 years shorter than non-smokers, meaning that every cigarette smoked takes away about 5.5 minutes of your life. So, is it only the smokers who suffer the consequences of smoking?
Second-hand smoke also poses significant risks. Non-smokers, including children and adults who are exposed to others' smoke, are at higher risk for both chronic and acute diseases, particularly related to the throat, ears, brain, and overall physical health.
Pregnant women who smoke face higher risks of miscarriage, low birth weight, and other health complications for their babies, including illness or even death. Babies born to fathers who smoke during the months before and during pregnancy are twice as likely to suffer from birth defects, leukemia, and have a 40% higher risk of developing brain cancer compared to children with non-smoking fathers. These are serious risks.
Smoking does not only cause health problems; it also inflicts huge financial burdens on society. In Vietnam, each smoker spends nearly 700,000 VND per year on cigarettes. With 12 million smokers, this amounts to over 8,200 billion VND annually spent on tobacco. This sum is enough to feed 10.6 million people. Furthermore, a recent study revealed that cigarette spending in Vietnam is 3.6 times higher than the cost of education, 2.5 times higher than clothing expenses, and almost double the healthcare spending.
Moreover, the diseases caused by smoking place a heavy economic burden on families, draining the workforce and impoverishing the poor. In fact, for many families, the cost of treating smoking-related illnesses is far greater than the money spent on buying cigarettes. When a young person in the family falls ill due to smoking, the family faces costly medical bills and a loss of time, which leads to additional complications beyond the addiction itself.
There are many Western-branded cigarettes on the market, which may give the impression that smoking is more common in Western countries. However, this is not the case. In the United States and Canada, smoking rates have dropped dramatically. In many Western countries, smoking in public places such as restaurants, hospitals, and schools is now illegal.
As smoking is increasingly rejected in these countries, tobacco companies are targeting developing nations, such as ours. These companies want us to believe that smoking is a symbol of sophistication. In reality, smoking is a habit often associated with poverty.
The poor are most likely to smoke, yet they are the least able to afford cigarettes. The money spent on cigarettes, which could be better used for basic living necessities, poses a severe threat to both personal and family finances. Money spent on tobacco is money not spent on essentials like food and household items, leading to even more serious financial hardships.
Knowing all this, what can we—both smokers and non-smokers—do? First, for those who don't smoke, avoid it and encourage your friends to do the same! Peer pressure can be a positive force! Also, encourage your family and friends to quit smoking and support them through the process.
For those already addicted, it's essential to understand why you started smoking in the first place in order to find ways to quit. The most important thing is to commit to quitting: before you quit, you must decide what you truly want, not just what your family or friends want.
Make a plan for the future, set goals, and focus on them. Smoking may arise as a challenge along the way. One effective method is to chew gum whenever the urge to smoke hits. Over time, this habit will replace the smoking addiction. Even after quitting, cravings may return. Be prepared to face them. Quitting smoking is not easy, but many people have succeeded.
In conclusion, smoking has numerous harmful effects on both individual health and society's economy. The vicious cycle of poverty, ignorance, smoking, disease, and poverty will never end unless tobacco is eradicated from people's lives. Therefore, we must be determined to say “no” to smoking, for a civilized, prosperous society and a bright future for humanity, especially for our country, Vietnam.
10. Essay on the Dangers of Smoking - Part 3
A widespread and pressing issue that concerns many today is the harmful effects of smoking on human life.
As we know, smoking is a daily habit practiced by millions around the world. People smoke anywhere, at any time, with no regard for place. Many men believe that smoking is a sign of sophistication. A pack of cigarettes costs between 10,000 to 20,000 VND, and while they may hesitate to spend money on other things, they don’t think twice about spending it on cigarettes.
Scientific studies have proven that cigarettes contain over 4,000 harmful chemicals, including nicotine, one of the most dangerous substances known to cause lung cancer. Smoking is highly addictive; after the first cigarette, there’s always a second, a third, and so on, forming a dangerous habit that is hard to break.
Nowadays, many young people, driven by peer pressure and a desire to rebel, fall into unhealthy habits, including smoking. The act of smoking is even present in schools. It is not uncommon to see sixth or seventh graders sneaking off to the restroom during breaks to smoke. They believe that smoking makes them seem more grown-up or manly, but they rarely consider the severe damage that smoking can do to their health.
Each year, millions of people die from smoking-related diseases. Smoking leads to illnesses such as lung cancer and tuberculosis, and the toll it takes on the human body is devastating. One reason smoking continues to rise is that many people lack awareness, and the absence of family support has caused young people to fall deeper into the trap of cigarette addiction.
Once addicted, individuals will go to great lengths to satisfy their craving for cigarettes. Some resort to theft or even steal from family members to fund their addiction. Sadly, there are numerous reports of children harming their parents or relatives to get money for cigarettes. This is truly horrifying, isn’t it? Many news stories highlight cases where children have killed their parents or grandparents to get money to buy cigarettes.
Every cigarette pack has the warning “Smoking is harmful to your health,” yet people continue to smoke despite this clear caution. Smoking can lead to yellow teeth, stained fingers, and foul-smelling breath, which is uncomfortable for those around them. Smoking not only harms the smoker but also those nearby. The smoke spreads in the air, affecting everyone in its path.
Given the dangers of smoking, how can we prevent it? Perhaps we need more widespread public education on its harmful effects through media campaigns. Smoking should be seen as an undesirable habit, a sign of addiction, and weakness, rather than something that reflects status. But the most important factor is for individuals to have the self-awareness to avoid cigarettes, protecting both their own health and the well-being of their families.
As society advances, people seem to pay less attention to the issue of smoking. Despite the well-known dangers of smoking, what can we do to stop this growing problem? We should certainly promote awareness through media and public health campaigns. But above all, the key is for each individual to recognize the harm in smoking and choose not to engage in this dangerous habit. Let’s all say “No to smoking!” and protect our future.
