Dear Editor,
The move by the Ministry of Health to ban smoking in public spaces will be of immense benefit to Jamaicans. Many people are still of the view that smoking only affects smokers' lungs, contributing to lung cancer. But smoking contributes to many different diseases. This is attributable to the fact that there are over 7,000 dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke which contain some 70 known carcinogens and triggers diseases such as Psoriasis, an itchy oozing skin disease; Cataract, a disease which clouds the eye's retina contributing to blindness; and Deformed Sperm, through damage of the DNA in men leading to miscarriage or birth defects, as well as increasing the risk of fathering a child susceptible to cancer, according to some studies.Smoking is a known factor in reducing blood flow to the penis causing impotence, as well as a range of respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Smoking also contributes to heart disease, cervical cancer, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis and tooth decay, among others.
The move by the Ministry of Health to ban smoking in public spaces will be of immense benefit to Jamaicans. Many people are still of the view that smoking only affects smokers' lungs, contributing to lung cancer. But smoking contributes to many different diseases. This is attributable to the fact that there are over 7,000 dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke which contain some 70 known carcinogens and triggers diseases such as Psoriasis, an itchy oozing skin disease; Cataract, a disease which clouds the eye's retina contributing to blindness; and Deformed Sperm, through damage of the DNA in men leading to miscarriage or birth defects, as well as increasing the risk of fathering a child susceptible to cancer, according to some studies.Smoking is a known factor in reducing blood flow to the penis causing impotence, as well as a range of respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Smoking also contributes to heart disease, cervical cancer, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis and tooth decay, among others.
It is scary when one examines the ingredients of a cigarette to see what they are used for. Ingredients such as butane, the main ingredient in lighter fluid; stearic acid, used in candle wax; carbon monoxide, the main gas in motor vehicle exhaust; nicotine, a poison used in insecticides; ammonia, main ingredient in toilet cleaner; and arsenic, a powerful poison. These substances were never meant to be ingest by the human body. If people want to damage their own bodies that is their choice, but such a product must be highly regulated to protect those who do not choose to be poisoned, especially the vulnerable such as children and the elderly.
The cigarette companies need to change their product. Jamaica cannot afford to compromise the health of our citizens. I commend the boldness of the health ministry and the vision and courage of the health minister. Let us resolve to build a healthier Jamaica.
Dee Arr
Kingston
Smoking ban, a step in the right direction
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The move by the Ministry of Health to ban smoking in public spaces will be of immense benefit to Jamaicans. Many people are still of the view that smoking only affects smokers' lungs, contributing to lung cancer. But smoking contributes to many different diseases. This is attributable to the fact that there are over 7,000 dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke which contain some 70 known carcinogens and triggers diseases such as Psoriasis, an itchy oozing skin disease; Cataract, a disease which clouds the eye's retina contributing to blindness; and Deformed Sperm, through damage of the DNA in men leading to miscarriage or birth defects, as well as increasing the risk of fathering a child susceptible to cancer, according to some studies.Smoking is a known factor in reducing blood flow to the penis causing impotence, as well as a range of respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Smoking also contributes to heart disease, cervical cancer, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis and tooth decay, among others.
The move by the Ministry of Health to ban smoking in public spaces will be of immense benefit to Jamaicans. Many people are still of the view that smoking only affects smokers' lungs, contributing to lung cancer. But smoking contributes to many different diseases. This is attributable to the fact that there are over 7,000 dangerous chemicals in cigarette smoke which contain some 70 known carcinogens and triggers diseases such as Psoriasis, an itchy oozing skin disease; Cataract, a disease which clouds the eye's retina contributing to blindness; and Deformed Sperm, through damage of the DNA in men leading to miscarriage or birth defects, as well as increasing the risk of fathering a child susceptible to cancer, according to some studies.Smoking is a known factor in reducing blood flow to the penis causing impotence, as well as a range of respiratory illnesses such as emphysema, bronchitis and asthma. Smoking also contributes to heart disease, cervical cancer, stomach ulcers, osteoporosis and tooth decay, among others.
It is scary when one examines the ingredients of a cigarette to see what they are used for. Ingredients such as butane, the main ingredient in lighter fluid; stearic acid, used in candle wax; carbon monoxide, the main gas in motor vehicle exhaust; nicotine, a poison used in insecticides; ammonia, main ingredient in toilet cleaner; and arsenic, a powerful poison. These substances were never meant to be ingest by the human body. If people want to damage their own bodies that is their choice, but such a product must be highly regulated to protect those who do not choose to be poisoned, especially the vulnerable such as children and the elderly.
The cigarette companies need to change their product. Jamaica cannot afford to compromise the health of our citizens. I commend the boldness of the health ministry and the vision and courage of the health minister. Let us resolve to build a healthier Jamaica.
Dee Arr
Kingston
Smoking ban, a step in the right direction
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