The tobacco epidemic is one of the greatest public health threats the world has ever faced and is killing millions of people every year. These deaths are the result of people choosing to regularly smoke the carcinogenic substances found in cigarettes. However, many believe that cigarette smoking offers health benefits and therefore should not be banned. But a careful examination of the matter shows that tobacco smoking is more dangerous than any other drug. Smokers have a lower life expectancy due to the high risk of developing serious diseases, such as lung cancer and heart disease. People who choose to smoke not only affect their own health, but also the health of non-smokers around them. Indeed, debates and calls to permanently ban cigarette smoking in public places such as restaurants, public transport and shops continue to this day. According to a study published by the American Cancer Society, "the nicotine in cigarette smoke is as addictive and as deadly as heroin or cocaine" (1). Cigarette smoking should be banned because it causes lung damage. The lungs are important respiratory organs because they supply fresh oxygen to the blood which is then transported to the cells. In a smoker's lungs, the alveoli that carry oxygen and carbon dioxide are covered by the tar and radon found in cigarette smoke. This creates a high risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer can take many years to develop, and many have no idea they have it until it becomes large enough to prevent the lungs from functioning. Additionally, each cigarette further contributes to the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries. This can result in heart disease and possible death. According to the article “The Problem of Tobacco Smoking,” smoking-related deaths are likely to increase to around 10 million people per year by 2030. This shows that smoking is the leading unnecessary cause.