Dear Big Tobacco
Dear Big Tobacco
Dear Big Tobacco,
Americans, approximately 24 million have asthma. The surprising fact, 21% of Americans who smoke have asthma. Asthma is the leading chronic disease in children; almost, 6.3 million of them have asthma. These are detrimental numbers that you, big tobacco, have yet to take into account.
Sincerely asthma victims. We like… no we need to breathe. Secondhand smoke – smoke inhaled involuntarily from tobacco being smoked by others- is deadly. People with asthma are forever breathing in 7,000 chemicals from second-hand smoke and let’s not forget Big Tobacco’s greatest threat, the 70 chemicals that cause cancer. It is because of you, Big Tobacco that approximately 41,280 innocent bystanders of tobacco smoke die each year. Nonsmokers who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work have almost double the risk of heart disease. That translates to about 50,000 fatal heart attacks a year in nonsmokers. This is all effects of you, big tobacco.
Thoughts to take into consideration. Children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are more likely to have lung problems and are 10 times more likely to develop asthma. Children who breathe secondhand smoke are more likely to get pneumonia, bronchitis, breathing problems that don’t get better, and poor lung function. These are perfect lungs that can never be given back. In 2011, the asthma rate for African-Americans was 47 percent higher than for whites, and with a statement from RJ Reynolds we can only expect it. “We just sell it. We reserve the right to smoke for the young, the poor, the black and stupid.”
Habit of tobacco is devastating. Tobacco is so addicting that tobacco indulgers would spend their last penny on tobacco products rather than essentials such as food, education, and heath care. Statically, tobacco is just as addictive as cocaine and heroin. It is because of you, Big tobacco, that many humans find their weakness in tobacco. Scientist have long recognized that cigarettes raise the risk for later use of illicit drugs. Eventually tobacco becomes not enough for the user … just like any drug.
Mysteriously Deceiving. Tobacco is still the leading cause of preventable death in the world. 6 million people die each year due to tobacco, however the number of deaths do not compare to the number of people who get hooked each day. Tobacco companies use Point of Sale to catch the eye of their victims.
Advocate for change. We will advocate for change against you, Big tobacco. Just as our friends begin fall victim to your lies, we will detour them form your road of deception. We will expose your fabrication in the best way we know how, by advocating.
By: Ja’Toria Stephens
Reminder: State conference call May 25th at 8:30 P.M. EST/ 7:30 P.M. CT
