TOBACCO: Why it’s harmful but still legal
Tobacco is among the most profitable products globally, including in Rwanda. Yet, it is also one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease. This investigative report explores how tobacco harms health, how it causes addiction, why it remains legally sold despite its dangers, and the deliberate role played by tobacco companies in expanding its use.
1. Why tobacco is harmful to health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 8 million people die annually from tobacco-related illnesses. Of these, over 1 million are non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 harmful chemicals, including:
- Nicotine – causes addiction
- Tar – damages the lungs
- Carbon monoxide – reduces oxygen in the bloodstream
These substances contribute to diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, asthma, and chronic respiratory issues.
2. How tobacco causes addiction
Nicotine in tobacco is the primary reason for addiction. Once someone starts smoking, nicotine affects the brain and creates a sense of relaxation. When its effects wear off, cravings begin. A single cigarette contains 8–20mg of nicotine.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that nicotine can cause stronger addiction than cocaine or heroin. Most smokers start during adolescence, influenced by peer pressure, stress, or advertising.
3. Why is tobacco still legal despite its harm?
This question remains controversial. Several reasons explain why tobacco continues to be sold:
- Economic revenues – Governments collect significant taxes from tobacco. In Rwanda, the Rwanda Revenue Authority reported over Rwf 60 billion in tobacco tax revenues in 2022.
- Personal freedom – In many countries, individuals have the right to choose what they consume.
- Powerful tobacco industries – Major companies like Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, and Imperial Brands profit enormously and have lobbying power.
- Regulation vs. prohibition – Most countries prefer regulating tobacco rather than banning it entirely, with designated smoking areas and warning labels.
4. The role of tobacco companies: Creating demand
Tobacco companies deploy strategic tactics to ensure people smoke:
- Advertising that glamorizes smoking – Films and ads present it as cool, independent, or sophisticated.
- Targeting youth with cheaper products – Making tobacco affordable and accessible to new users.
- Introducing new alternatives – Such as e-cigarettes and vapes that appear less harmful.
- Sponsoring public events – Supporting sports and concerts to normalize tobacco use.
Evidence also suggests that tobacco companies distort research, resist regulation, and engage in unethical practices including bribery.
5. Voices from the frontlines: Those affected by tobacco
Marie U., 41, a Kigali resident, shared:
“I started smoking at 19 and became hooked. Now I have lung cancer. I never thought it would happen to me.”
Dr. Clarisse Murekatete, a physician at CHUK, explained:
“We treat many patients with serious respiratory issues, often linked to smoking or secondhand exposure.”
Key statistics on tobacco
1. Global deaths caused by tobacco (WHO)
| Year | Deaths due to smoking | Deaths from secondhand smoke |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8,000,000+ | 1,200,000 |
| 2021 | 8,200,000 | 1,300,000 |
| 2022 | 8,300,000+ | 1,300,000 |
2. Tobacco use in Rwanda by age (RBC, DHS 2021)
| Age Group | Tobacco Users (%) |
|---|---|
| 15–24 | 12% |
| 25–34 | 17% |
| 35–44 | 20% |
| 45–54 | 18% |
| 55+ | 10% |
3. Tobacco tax revenues in Rwanda (RRA)
| Year | Revenue Collected (Rwf) |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 54.3 billion |
| 2021 | 57.8 billion |
| 2022 | 60.1 billion |
Tobacco remains a public health threat with massive economic and social implications. While governments benefit from its tax revenues, the long-term burden on healthcare and lives lost raises deep ethical concerns. Empowering people with accurate information, enforcing stricter regulation, and shielding youth from tobacco influence must become urgent priorities.