12 Facts to Know About Smoking
Non-smoking areas
In Japan non-smoking areas are often difficult to find in restaurants, including family restaurants. Many of Japan’s politicians have an interest in the tobacco industry.
Opportunity cost
Smoking three packs of cigarettes over 46 years has a significant opportunity cost. If a person invested and reinvested just that cigarette money over those 46 years, he or she could create a portfolio worth over $2 million. Researchers note that the value of a small amount of money over time can be significant.
Attributed to obesity
Over 300,000 deaths in the U.S. a year are attributed to obesity. Obesity is second only to smoking as a cause of premature death in the United States.
Endorsements from physicians
Up until the 60s, cigarette ads actually had endorsements from physicians suggesting that smoking was good for you.
Just in case
Although smoking is now banned on commercial airlines, most planes still have ashtrays. That’s because the FAA requires them just in case someone does light up so they can properly put it out.
Fresh Start
The most common New Year resolutions include ‘quit smoking’, ‘lose weight’, ‘stay healthy and fit’, ‘save more money’ and ‘get (more) organized’.
Hipster
The term “Hippie” is derived from the term “Hipster,” which described jazz fans in the 1940’s. Hipsters were known for pot smoking and sarcasm.
Smoking in Europe
The first European who learned to smoke from the natives was arrested back home because people thought he was possessed by the devil.
Pantone 448
Pantone 448 C, the “world’s ugliest color” according to research, is used by many European countries on their tobacco products to dissuade people from smoking.
Once upon a time
Instead of “Once upon a time,” many Korean folktales begin with “Back when tigers used to smoke…”
Cigarette
Every cigarette you smoke reduces your expected life span by 11 minutes.
Lack of exercise
A lack of exercise is now causing as many deaths as smoking across the world, a study suggests.