Smoking tobacco

Smoking tobacco refers to the practice of burning tobacco and inhaling the smoke that is produced. The smoke may be inhaled, as is done with cigarettes, or simply released from the mouth, as is generally done with cigars and pipes. The practice is believed to have begun as early as 5000–3000 BC in Mesoamerica and South America.

History

Tobacco smoking has been practiced by various cultures across the globe since ancient times. The practice was later adopted by European settlers, and subsequently spread to the rest of the world. The history of tobacco is marked by an enduring presence in the fabric of society, the economy, and the environment.

Health effects

Health effects of tobacco are the effects that use of tobacco has on human health. Research has focused primarily on cigarette tobacco smoking. Tobacco smoke contains more than fifty chemicals that cause cancer. Tobacco also contains nicotine, which is a highly addictive psychoactive drug. When tobacco is smoked, nicotine causes physical and psychological dependency. Cigarettes, like narcotics, also contain habit-forming substances.

Society and culture

Tobacco smoking is a practice which has changed significantly over time. It has been assimilated into many cultures in different forms, like pipes, cigars, and cigarettes. The cultural aspects of smoking are manifold, with variations across different societies and periods.

Legislation

Many governments have introduced smoking bans in a range of public places and environments. Tobacco advertising is also regulated in many countries due to the health risks associated with smoking.

See also

• Health effects of tobacco
• History of tobacco
• Cultural aspects of smoking
• Tobacco advertising
• Smoking bans