Despite all the knowledge of the consequences to health, absolutely zero health benefits (even alcohol has some), people still choose to begin smoking and, more importantly, the world still allows it.

So why do people begin

Many of the reasons can be age related. Smoking is an adult activity and young people like to emulate adults. There may be pressure from others, the reasons are many but it only takes one.

So the first cigarette is tried and it's addictive qualities take over. The effect is immediate and apparent and a repeat experience is not so much a desire but more of a need and the non-smoker becomes a smoker.

Growth of use against knowledge of side effects

Tobacco became available globally in the 1880's and consumption has grown ever since. The biggest increases were observed during and after the two world wars. Knowledge of the adverse health effects only started gaining public acceptance in the late 1960's. By then both governments and the tobacco related industry depended on it's revenues, and millions were addicted anyway.

Things have not changed today, tobacco companies are now multi-billion dollar corporations providing over 100 million people worldwide with employment. Tax revenues from cigarettes alone can account for 5% and more for some country's entire tax revenues. (source: WHO).

Quitting smoking has also become an industry

As well as initiatives funded by governments there are profitable organizations whose entire business is helping people quit. Ranging from gum and pharmaceuticals to hypnosis and no smoking days.

The habit's most common illnesses have had an affect on smoking existing for so long. Diseases due to smoking generally take many, many years to develop before they impact the users health if at all. During these years a constant stream of revenue is generated.

The future for tobacco

With governments not choosing a ban the only other choice is to stop people starting in the first place. The price of cigarettes has been proven to help in this regard. Those on a low income, such as teenagers, who are greatly aware of the health issues anyway will not start an activity that also costs them too much.

For the industry the developing world and it's lack of health education has become their biggest market. A disturbing quote from BAT one of the industries biggest manufacturers said in 1994 "...we see the new markets opening up in Central Asia and the Commonwealth of Independent States as really being the future of BAT well into the next century...". Sadly what was once quote is now fact. Only governmental action on a global basis will have any chance in dealing with our biggest killer.

By Simon Gould - taken from http://www.FitnessBegin.com - the well-being resource.