StMU Research Scholars

Featuring Scholarly Research, Writing, and Media at St. Mary’s University

April 3, 2024

Smoking Bans: Why Sources Are Important!

Yellow Portrait Infographic. Title: Smoking Bans, Why they are important. Section 1. Leading up to the bans. In 1986 concerns surrounding second-hand smoke were validated when research showed sidestream and mainstream smoke contained the same carcinogens. The Surgeon General’s report concluded second-hand smoke caused: respiratory symptoms infections lung cancer (1) Designated smoking areas proved ineffective. Section 2. Different funding leads to different results? Researchers report affiliations or funding sources as these may be conflicts of interest. In the case of smoking bans, there was a significant difference in the conclusions made about smoking bans and their effects on businesses and the economy as a whole. A table comparing Industry funded and independently funded smoking ban studies. Industry funded studies concluded: Effects of second-hand smoke can be mitigated via improved ventilation and designated smoking areas bans result in financial damage to cafe, bar, and restaurant businesses Businesses cannot maximize profits by using hybrid layouts; infringes on economic freedoms Will result in a reduction of tourism in areas with 100% ban (2). Independent studies concluded: Second-hand smoke leads to lung cancer in healthy non smokers. Concluded no effect or slight increases in profit for restaurants, bars, cafes, and other businesses. 3% increase in overall employee productivity and reduced maintenance costs No evidence of an effect on tourism (1,3) Section 3. graphic of 10 stick figures, two are colored in. the caption reads : 16 percent of smoking related deaths are caused by second hand smoke. So where are we today? Despite the bans, smoking is still a leading cause of disease and death (7). Philip Morris International (PMI) was a primary industry-funder PMI studies created fear of worsening the 2008 recession stalled bans PMI has since launched the “Unsmoke Your World” initiative, advocates and funds research to end smoking. 2022 PMI experienced a 3.7% growth in revenue, selling 621 billion cigarettes world wide (8).

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my classmates and peers, for providing guidance and constructive criticism when I needed it. Most of all I would like to thank Dr. Boies for her help throughout all stages of this project, and for providing me the opportunity to delve deeper into this topic.

Tags from the story

Biology

economic impact

Nomination-Science

public health

Smoking

Recent Comments

Ana Barrientos

Hi Rachel, this was a very interesting infographic. I was shocked to find out that 16% of all smoking deaths were caused by secondhand smoke. I don’t think many people know that even if you do not smoke, you can still feel the impact from it. I enjoyed the colors you used for this infographic, it was clear to read and very informative!

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22/04/2024

2:13 pm

Jonathan Flores

I simply cannot understate how visually appealing this infographic is. I would go as far as to say that it is one of the best looking themes and organized infographic I have ever seen. In addition, the infographic is very informative and I learned knowledge about smoking bans I did not know before. My only critique is that it is not longer! I would happily read more about this topic and enjoy the great graphics.

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23/04/2024

2:13 pm

Esmeralda Gomez

Hi Rachel! Wow. Just wow. What an amazing infographic. It offers insightful information about smoking bans, has a thoughtful composition, excellent color choice, and amazingly expands on knowledge on the subject. This was a very pleasing read to my eyes and mind. I’d eagerly delve deeper into this topic, drawn in by the engaging graphics. Your infographic highlights the significant impact smoking has on smokers or non-smokers. Amazing job!

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24/04/2024

2:13 pm

Paola Then Ortiz

Hello Rachel! I enjoyed reading about your infographic and how different conclusions came up from different research papers when they were funded by independent companies in comparison to when they were funded by industries related to smoking. There are a lot of carcinogens found in smoking and industries want to deny it. Thanks for sharing your paper!

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25/04/2024

2:13 pm

Naya Harb

Hi! I did not know that 16% of all smoking related deaths in the world are estimated to be the cause of second hand smoke. This is crazy to me! Your infographic is so aesthetically pleasing. Also, I love the images and the fonts that you used. Reading it makes it so much more fun and appealing! Congratulations on getting nominated!

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26/04/2024

2:13 pm

Deven Garcia

Rachel, your infographic is outstanding! Your choice of topic is truly intriguing and demonstrates the significant impact of smoking bans, depending on the source of information. I was particularly captivated by the contrasting conclusions regarding the effects of smoking bans on businesses and the economy, as highlighted in your work. The disparities between industry-funded and independently-funded conclusions were eye-opening. Overall, it was a truly compelling read!

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27/04/2024

2:13 pm

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