Cigarettes, often referred to as ‘chemical sticks,’ are dry, tobacco-filled tubes of mostly chopped or shredded tobacco leaves rolled in finely cut flammable paper. Traditionally made by hand, ‘Big Tobacco’ now produces these cigarettes by the billions, with over 5.5 billion cigarettes consumed worldwide every year. Despite the decline in tobacco use over the last decade, some 200 billion cigarettes are smoked annually in the US alone, and international statistics on smoking show even higher rates of smokers per capita outside the United States. This guide explores the history of cigarettes and tobacco, their rise and fall from favor, and the health implications associated with their use.
The Origins of Tobacco Use
Tobacco, derived from the leaves of the Nicotiana plant, began its story in the indigenous regions of South and North America. Archeological artifacts dating back over 12,000 years document the first use of tobacco by humans living in the Americas, substantiating the belief that ancient Mayan peoples of Central America discovered tobacco around the first century BC. Originally considered a sacred plant, tobacco was used in various religious and spiritual rituals.
The Spread of Tobacco Use
By the time European settlers arrived in the Americas, tobacco use was widespread among Eastern North American tribes. It was used for smoking, in ceremonies, and as a means of trade and currency. European explorers, notably Christopher Columbus in 1492, encountered tobacco and introduced it to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity. By the 1600s, tobacco was being cultivated in Europe, and its use had spread across the continent, becoming a valued commodity used as a monetary standard into the 1700s.
Industrial Revolution and Mass Production
The 1800s saw the industrial revolution transform tobacco production. Cigarette-making machines capable of producing upwards of 200 cigarettes per minute allowed for the mass production of cigarettes, making smoking cheaper, more accessible, and more convenient. By the mid-1960s, over 40% of the adult population in the United States smoked cigarettes, with the average adult smoking 4,345 cigarettes per year by 1963.
Marketing and Influence of ‘Big Tobacco’
‘Big Tobacco’ leveraged innovative and impactful marketing campaigns to grow its market base. The first massive success came in 1913 when R.J. Reynolds spearheaded a mass marketing campaign for Camel Cigarettes, introducing the “American Blend.” Marketing efforts evolved to include iconic mascots such as Joe Camel and the Marlboro Man, and product placements in films and TV shows. During WWI and WWII, the U.S. issued cigarettes to allied troops, leading to widespread addiction among returning soldiers.
Awareness of Health Risks
Despite early reports in the 17th century connecting smoking to health complications, ‘Big Tobacco’ successfully suppressed these findings through influential marketing and lobbying. It wasn’t until the 1964 landmark report by the U.S. Surgeon General that credible scientific light was shed on the health risks of smoking, leading to government regulations. The 1970 Public Health Smoking Act banned tobacco advertising on radio and TV, and the 1984 Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act mandated health warnings on cigarette packs.
Modern Efforts to Curb Tobacco Use
Efforts to reduce tobacco use include increased taxes, smoke-free policies, counter-advertising campaigns, and advancements in nicotine addiction treatments. Governments have also filed lawsuits against tobacco companies for their role in public health crises. The World Health Organization reports that controlling tobacco use could save millions of lives and billions of dollars.
Conclusion
Tobacco has a rich history and significant cultural impact, but its health risks and environmental impact are considerable. Understanding the origins, production, and effects of tobacco can help consumers make informed decisions and potentially mitigate some of its negative impacts.
References
- World Health Organization. “WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic 2019: Offer help to quit tobacco use.” 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Cigarette Smoking and Tobacco Use Among People of All Ages.” 2019.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Chemicals in Tobacco Products and Your Health.” 2020.
- Nuwer, Rachel. “Mammoths Roamed when Humans Started Using Tobacco at Least 12,300 Years Ago”. Scientific American, 2021.
- Duke, Daron et al. “Earliest evidence for human use of tobacco in the Pleistocene Americas”. Nature Human Behaviour, 2021.
- “Economic Aspects of Tobacco during the Colonial Period 1612-1776”. Tobacco.org.
- National Center for Health Statistics, 2005.
- National Academics of Science and Engineering Medicine, 2007.
- Ernster VL. “Mixed messages for women. A social history of cigarette smoking and advertising.” New York State Journal of Medicine, 1985.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3894096/
