Tobacco is used to make cigarettes. It is green leafy plant, which is gown in warm climates. It is a high revenue generating agriculture crop and is the backbone of a flourishing industry. It can be smoked in the form of a cigarette or cigar or in a pipe. Some even chew it.
In Americas, tobacco has a long history. The Mayan Indians of Mexico carved drawings, which indicate that tobacco was in use. These drawings are dated as back as 600 to 900 A.D. Tobacco was also grown by American Indians much before the arrival of Europeans from Spain, England, France and Italy to North America. The revenue derived from tobacco was used to pay for the American Revolution against England.
By 1800, many people started either smoking tobacco or chewing it. The commercial cigarettes were prepared in 1865 by Washington Duke at Raleigh, North Carolina. There was an increase in the use of cigarettes during the World Wars.
In U.S. tobacco happens to be the first crop grown for money. In 1612, tobacco was grown as cash crop by the settlers of the first American colony, Jamestown, in Virginia.
Tobacco stimulates the nervous system, by triggering off complex biochemical and neurotransmitter disruptions. It increases blood pressure and heart rate, blood vessels are constricted, lung tissues are irritated and one’s ability to smell and taste is also reduced.
Tobacco is addictive and habit forming as it contains nicotine. It is a drug as it contains nicotine. Being a stimulant it gives us more energy.
Tobacco related diseases are lung cancer, heart diseases, cancer and chronic pulmonary disease and stroke. Many tobacco- related deaths have been recorded.
Now in modern times, the changing lifestyles have necessitated many to smoke. Stressed out by the fast paced life, they prefer to relax by smoking. Even children have got addicted to it. Anti-smoking campaigns are being held to prevent smoking. Respective Governments are also concerned about the increase in smoking-related diseases.
