Whether it is a parent, grandparent, friend, or even yourself, smoking has touched us all in one way or another. If none of those are the case, then it is guaranteed you have at least seen this addictive habit throughout pop culture.
An article published in the New York Times addressed the resurgence of smoking, evident by its new-again prominence in music and entertainment. The article named just a few of the musicians, artists and reality stars who are bringing it back in style and even explained the ‘“Ciggy Mommy”’ aesthetic, a title which now seems to serve as a form of street cred and badge of honor.
What is more unsettling than the publication’s acknowledgement that smoking is popular in period pieces is the assertion that the habit is becoming popular in our present-day pieces. The author draws attention to the fact that characters in “The Brutalist” did not have the knowledge of smoking’s negative effects, but characters in cinematic worlds, like “The Bear” and “Materialists,” are likely very much aware of smoking’s harmful impact.
The American Heart Association reports that 90% of smokers first try a tobacco product by age 18, and if they have not by 26, it is likely they will never start. Unfortunately, we are seeing an uptick in the amount of young people using e-cigarettes, cigarettes, and other drugs.
2024 statistics from the American Heart Association’s flagship journal, Circulation, report:
- 1 in 8 male adults in the United States are current smokers. (based on 2021 data)
- 1 in 10 female adults in the United States are current smokers. (based on 2021 data)
- 1 in 7 high school students in the United States used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. (based on 2022 data)
Heart disease kills more people than all cancers combined. Not only are you at risk of cancer, but smoking impacts cardiovascular health, too. Carbon monoxide, a major chemical in cigarettes, decreases the amount of oxygen carried in our red blood cells, which increases the amount of cholesterol deposited into the inner lining of our arteries. As our arteries narrow, our risk for heart disease, coronary artery disease, and heart attacks increase.
In 2024, the American Heart Association released a statement regarding the U.S. Surgeon General’s report on Tobacco-Related Death and Disease. The report showed that not only is tobacco use still an epidemic in the United States, but that usage of it disproportionately affects people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Many marginalized communities already face an increased risk for heart disease and stroke, often due to a lack of accessibility to resources to help them live healthily, so tobacco usage is adding insult to injury.
A harmful, retro habit such as smoking should not be plaguing our communities, but it is. To combat tobacco usage and to protect the health of those in our families and those around us, we can advocate for change.
In New York City, INT 1152 is a bill that could change and save lives. This legislation would restrict the sale of all menthol flavored tobacco and nicotine products within the five boroughs. This bill is a step to protect the long-term health vulnerable communities now and in the future.
Quitting smoking is hard. If you or someone you know is trying to quit, click here for resources and support.