A History of Smoking

- The earliest forms of smoking tobacco may have begun as early as 5000-3000 BC.
- Smoking in the Americas most likely had its origin in the incense-burning ceremonies, but later was used both socially and for pleasure.
- Eastern North American tribes would keep large amounts of tobacco with them for use of trade. They often smoked tobacco out of pipes, which was a practice adults and children alike enjoyed. Apart from smoking, tobacco was also used as a form of medicine. It was used as a pain-killer to cure earache and toothaches. It was also used by the Indians to cure colds.
- It was introduced in Eurasia in the late 16th century, along common trade routes. In 1560, Jean Nicot (who's name the word "nicotine" is derived) introduced tobacco to France, which then spreaded to England.
- 1n 1612, John Rolfe was credited as the first settler to successfully raise tobacco as a cash crop. Demand quickly grew, with tobacco being referred to as "brown gold".
- Religious leaders have often been prominent among those who considerd smoking immoral or blasphemous.
- Growth in the US remained stable until the American Civil War in the 1860s, when the agricultural workforces shifted from slavery to share cropping. This was linked to the industrialisation of cigarette production as James Bonsack created a machine in 1881 to partially automate their manufacture.
- In 1920, German scientists identified a link between smoking and lung cancer. Which led to the first anti-smoking campaign in modern history
- In Germany, anti-smoking groups were associated with anti-alcohol groups; however, the anti-tabacco movement in Nazi Germany did not cross enemy lines during the 2nd World War.
- In 1950, British reasearchers demonstrated a clear relationship between smoking and cancer.
- Scientific evidents continued to grow in the 1980s, which prompted political action against the practice.
- Rates of tobacco consumption since 1945 in the developed world have either peaked or declined. However, in the developing world, they continue to rise.
- Fire safe cigarretes are a type of cigarette to decrease the burn rate. They are designed to extinguis more quickly to prevent accidental fires. As of January 1, 2010, the Fire safe law was in effect in 43 states. It has been signed into law and will become effective in all the states and the District of Columbia by 2012.