Question

which of the following statements about the societal costs of tobacco use is true?
a. tobacco use affects the tax rate of only those individuals who smoke.
b. the negative effects of tobacco use are only experienced by the smoker.
c. tobacco users contribute to an overall loss of productivity.
d. increased healthcare costs are mainly absorbed by tobacco users.

please select the best answer from the choices provided.

○ a
○ b
○ c
○ d

Explanation:

• Option A is false: Tobacco use-related societal costs (like public healthcare burdens) affect tax rates for all taxpayers, not just smokers.
• Option B is false: Tobacco use has secondhand smoke effects, healthcare system strains, and productivity losses that impact non-smokers too.
• Option C is true: Tobacco users often have more sick days, reduced work efficiency, and early mortality, which creates an overall loss in societal productivity.
• Option D is false: Increased healthcare costs from tobacco use are often spread across the whole population via public insurance, higher premiums, and tax-funded healthcare, not just absorbed by users.

Answer:

C. Tobacco users contribute to an overall loss of productivity.