Final answer:
People start using tobacco due to the addictive properties of nicotine, social and cultural influences, and historical marketing efforts. Despite the known health risks associated with tobacco, historical spread and marketing have led to its deep-rooted presence in societies. Secondhand smoke also contributes to the health risks posed by tobacco use.
Step-by-step explanation:
People start using tobacco for a variety of reasons including the addictive nature of nicotine, social and cultural influences, and marketing strategies. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance, more so than many other drugs, which makes cessation difficult even when users are aware of the health risks. Tobacco smoking is a major cause of preventable death, linked to chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Despite this knowledge, smoking remains prevalent due to its historic associations with masculinity and leisure, as well as aggressive marketing tactics used in the past to rebrand the image of cigarettes as desirable.
The introduction of tobacco to various cultures has often been followed by a rise in its use, exemplified by the spread of tobacco in the 16th and 17th centuries from the Americas to Europe and eventually Asia. Factors like the endorsement by figures like Sir Walter Raleigh and the creation of addictive products tailored to cultural images of masculinity by entrepreneurs like James Duke contributed to the entrenchment of smoking in societies. Moreover, exposure to secondhand smoke poses health risks to non-smokers, highlighting the broad impact of tobacco use in society.