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Al-Ahram Weekly 3 - 9 June 1999 Issue No. 432 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 3 - 9 June 1999 Issue No. 432
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Profile Interview Travel Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Death in a packet
By Salah Montasser *
Cigarettes are the most harmful human invention of all time, and the only commodity on the market to carry an explicit warning that they are hazardous to the consumer's health. In its battle against smoking, the World Health Organisation has declared 31 May Non-Smoking Day. For years, smoking was a legitimate social habit, widely accepted and even encouraged by governments due to the revenue generated by the high tariffs imposed on cigarettes. Not until the 1960s did the full array of perils to human health caused by cigarettes begin to come to the world's attention.
Only when the effect of smoking on the environment, including non-smokers, was scientifically proven, however, did the anti-cigarette campaign acquire new momentum. Countries which adamantly protect the rights of individuals have promulgated laws that restrict smoking and ban smokers from exposing others to the effects of tobacco. Many countries are planning to remove "No Smoking" signs, since there will be no need to call attention to an established rule.
Aware that their future is doomed in the developed countries, and that within 20-25 years these countries will be tobacco free, cigarette manufacturers are now targeting developing countries. Non-smokers in developing countries must create an informed public keen on protecting their children from the dangers of smoking. Whoever wishes to smoke is free to commit suicide, but should not have the chance to kill others.
*This week's Soapbox speaker is a columnist with the daily Al-Ahram.
