Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Smoking is a negative externality in Singapore, as it does not only have an effect on the smoker’s health, but it affects the entire society. Hence, by imposing taxes on cigarettes, our government will reduce these impacts. The act of smoking brings about an external cost to the society as it leads to air pollution, worsen the health condition of the people surrounding and as they are exposed to secondhand smoke, causing risk to the non-smokers.
Environmental tobacco smoke is a major source of air pollution particles, therefore, the health’s condition of the people surrounding will worsen, and our society would be affected as it would put a strain on our medical resources as the demand for medical help increases. This means that there will be an increase in medical expenses, where this money can be put to a better use.
Smokers hold a responsibility to themselves and society. Smokers aren't the only ones being harmed by their habit. Cigarettes are known for causing cancer and lung problems. Second hand smoke affects everyone surrounded in that atmosphere, especially the children. Non-smokers who breathe in secondhand smoke take in nicotine and other toxic chemicals just like smokers do. Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at least 80% more risk of stroke than do the non-exposed people.
Thus in order to minimize these impacts, Singapore governments impose taxes on cigarettes, and polices such as banning smoking in public areas, advertisements informing smokers the harmful effects of smoking and events are being held to help smokers quit smoking are implemented to deal with the market failure. As a result, people would be healthier, healthcare would be cheaper and our air would be cleaner.
In conclusion, the prevention of smoke will provide a healthy environment.
By Apple:)Labels: externality
We Loved7:20 PM
April 2008 past