The Rickshaw Report: China and Smoking

1.A study has shown that two-thirds of young Chinese men are smokers. Why do you think Chinese people start this dangerous habit?
It think its down to their lifestyle.
2. Do you think smoking tobacco has become a part of Chinese culture?
What? Culture? I do not think so. It depends on your individual habits. However, it is true that when Chinese people want to give gifts, a box of cigarettes is regarded as a good choice. But only if your intended recipient is a smoker!
3. Are you a smoker?
No, I do not smoke. In elementary school, my friends would offer me cigarettes. It seemed impolite to decline, so I smoked the cigarettes. However, after a while, my throat began to hurt and I got a cough. Since that point, I never smoked.
4. According to a medical journal, Lancet, tobacco will be responsible for the deaths of two million Chinese people by 2030. If things continue at this rate, the number of deaths will reach three million by 2050. Do you think the public is aware of the health risks caused by smoking tobacco?
No, I still see many people smoking in public places.
5. Can you name some health risks?
If you smoke for a very long time, your lungs will become dark, and your throat will hurt. Some people say your nose can even develop a problem.
6. How do you think we can fight this problem?
I am note sure. Maybe people should smoke e-cigarettes instead?
7. what do you think of second-hand smoking?
My son smokes. When I see him doing this, I always try to convince him to quit. If he smokes in the house, I tell him to go outside to light up. After, all its my house, so this is my right!
8. What would it take to make smokers quit their habit?
Hmm. Maybe if my son met someone who had developed a lung problem or another health issue due as a result of smoking tobacco, then he would consider quitting.
9. If you were in a restaurant, and people were smoking around you, would it bother you? Would you feel confident to tell them to stop?
I think they are free to do what they wish in private. However, its also a bit awkward to ask someone put out their cigarettes in a public place like a restaurant. I think its up to the person in charge i.e. the restaurant manager to enforce the rules.

10. Beijing introduced a ban on smoking in public places in 2008, but this was largely ineffective. A new ban was introduced in June 2015. Do you think the new ban will be successful?
I do not think it will be successful. Smokers are used to lighting up wherever and whenever they want to. However, there are already certain places where you cannot smoke, such as in Tiananmen Square and at railway stations, where staff enforce the regulations. I think the new public smoking ban needs to be stricter in order to work. There have to be staff making sure the ban is respected, and fine offenders on the spot.

11. According to a study by the World Health Organization, less than a third of Chinese people are aware of the dangers of second-hand smoking. If the public were aware of the danger, would they be more inclined to not light up in public?
Who knows? Its has become a habit for smokers. So it might be difficult.
12. A pack of cigarettes is significantly cheaper in China than in other parts of the world. Do you think raising the taxes on tobacco products would help deter people from smoking?
I do not think so. If the consumer has money, he or she will buy expensive ones –  like 70 or 80 yuan for one packet. And if they do not have money, they will buy the cheaper ones.