Tobacco.org

Smoking - Men have been duped  

Nearly one billion men in the world smoke. This figure includes 35 per cent of men in developed countries and 50 per cent of men in poorer countries. Men have been duped by the portrayal of smoking as a manly habit. It is sold as a link to wealth, power, fitness, and sexual prowess. In reality, smoking leads to illness, impotence, premature ageing and death.

Cigarette consumption

In the Caribbean, annual cigarette consumption is anywhere from 500 to 1,500 cigarettes per person (according to The Tobacco Atlas, 2002, World Health Organisation). Fortunately, male smoking worldwide appears to be declining, albeit very slowly. In general, the more educated man has given up the smoking habit, recognising that smoking puts its victims at risk for early heart attacks, bronchitis and lung cancer. Smoking is more common among the poorer, less-educated man.

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