Cigarette smoking is a known health hazard. While cigar and other means of tobacco smoking, as in pipes, are not as common as cigarette smoking, the dangers are the same. Some new evidence suggests that tobacco smoking through a hookah (‘hubbly bubbly’) may be more toxic than cigarettes and cigars. Most cigarette smokers are well aware of the dangers and with warnings on the packaging, it is difficult to turn a blind eye to the potentially fatal consequences of cigarette smoking.
The anti-tobacco laws that have come into effect over the past few years in South Africa has undoubtedly inconvenienced cigarette smokers. From having to smoke in designated smoker zones even when outdoors to paying more every year for a pack of cigarettes, these measures have made smokers more aware of the importance of kicking the habit. Inconvenience and an expensive product will at least reduce tobacco usage even if many smokers do not quit. The electronic cigarette that has recently hit our shores has been hailed as the solution for many cigarette smokers, especially the office bound chain smoker.