Journal Article

Print(0)

International Journal of Medicine

Int.J.Med.

2003/04

5

2

88

93

1468-3814

Unknown(0)

Objective- To explore different socio-cultural, psychological, physical and legal issues related to smoking and to determine whether the effects of passive smoking are similar to those of active smoking. Design- Literature Review. Setting- Various published materials such as books, journals, online journals, internet, websites, leaflets and booklets. Method- A review of the literature was carried out by looking at published materials such as books, journals, online journals, internet websites, leaflets and booklets published by different organisations, and data and information so obtained were interpreted in the light of the current situation. Results- The presence of tar, nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke increases the risk of developing respiratory symptoms, thrombosis and cardiovascular disease as well as lung cancer. Smoking reduces productivity and increases health care costs. Other forms of tobacco consumption include chewing on its own or with betel, snuff and hookah smoking. The medico-legal aspects of smoking have been found to be complex. The imposition of tax on cigarettes, originally intended to restrict the use of cigarettes, soon proved to be a profitable source of government revenue. Recently, individuals, and in some countries, the government have been suing tobacco companies for the damages caused to smokers, and such litigation is becoming increasingly common. Conclusions- Smoking is a complex problem and cannot easily be eradicated, especially as it involves the interests of different parties: smokers, the government and tobacco companies, which are unlikely to be in agreement with one another. However, steps should be taken to minimise the damage caused by the habit to prevent it posing a serious threat to the health of the nation. Health professionals can contribute to this by offering advice and providing information and treatment for smokers wishing to stop.

carbon monoxide, nicotine, tar, betel nut, cardiovascular disease, smoking, cultural factor, government, health care cost, health practitioner, human, Internet, law suit, legal aspect, lung cancer, medical information, medical literature, medicolegal aspect, online system, passive smoking, patient counseling, physical activity, productivity, psychological aspect, respiratory tract disease, review, risk assessment, risk reduction, smokeless tobacco, smoking cessation, smoking habit, social aspect, tax, thrombosis, tobacco industry

Embase

Embase

Shaikh,M.

Shaikh, M., Cambridge CB4 3HQ, United Kingdom

http://vp9py7xf3h.search.serialssolutions.com/?charset=utf-8&pmid=

2003