Final answer:
Accepting and smoking a cigarette poses serious health risks, including a significant reduction in life expectancy and an increased risk of premature death, with smoking being responsible for millions of deaths annually.
Step-by-step explanation:
Accepting the cigarette offered by Jerry and engaging in smoking poses severe health risks for Carlos. Smoking is a highly detrimental habit, contributing to approximately six million deaths annually and standing as the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide. The gravity of the issue is emphasized in anti-smoking messages, such as the mentioned cartoon, which underscores the life-threatening consequences of smoking.
The health hazards associated with smoking are substantial, with smokers facing a significantly reduced life expectancy. On average, smokers may die up to 18 years earlier than non-smokers. Alarmingly, up to half of all smokers are projected to succumb to tobacco-related causes, highlighting the threefold increased risk of premature death before the age of 70 for smokers compared to non-smokers. These statistics underscore the critical importance of avoiding smoking to preserve overall health and longevity.