The makers of Camel Cigarettes, the no. 2 most popular manufacturers in the country, have just decided to restrict the areas further where its employees can smoke.
In an announcement made on Wednesday, October 22, Reynolds American Incorporated, which manufacturers the broad line of Camel cigarettes, now prohibits its employees working in its headquarters as well as its subsidiaries to avoid smoking in elevators, hallways, and respective working desks. This new policy takes into effect by January 1, 2015. They are also not permitted from doing it in the cafeteria, fitness centers, and manufacturing area.
Although the management is very much aware that the decision may be odd or even ironic because of the industry they're in, they also believe that it's the right thing to do for now per their smoking policies. By restricting the smoking areas, they are more prepared to meet the needs and comfort of both visiting and working non-smokers. Of the over 5,000 employees, only 20% of the workforce actually smoke.
Nevertheless, employees slash smokers don't need to worry too much since the company is also building a different indoor facility where they can light up a cigarette. Moreover, they can still use the growing number of smokeless tobacco products sold by the company such as moist snuff, e-cigarettes, and snus, a tobacco that is finelly milled and stored in pouches.
According to Centers for Disease and Prevention Control, smoking still remains the biggest preventable cause of disease and death in the country. It is responsible for more than 450,000 smoking deaths every year, of which 41,000 are caused by secondhand smoking. In 2012, about 18% of the U.S. adult population smoked; 33 million of them lit up on a daily basis.
Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of smoking in the United States and elsewhere in the world has decreased due to massive campaigns against tobacco use and smoking. These include higher taxes for tobacco products and graphic warning labels on cigarette packs. Many have also shifted to smokeless products like e-cigarettes.
