Patrick Reynolds the grandson of the first RJ Reynolds, whose company manufacturers the well-known cigarette brands as Camel, More and Winston, declared that his father’s death from emphysema was caused by many years of smoking, that is why he wants to help other to get rid of this habit. “I lighted up my first cigarette at 17 and it was a real problem to stop smoking, but after failing for eleven times, I finally did it,” said Reynolds. He also added that his father’s death had a significant effect on him. But already being an adult, he completely understood the real impact of smoking on people’s health. “I have been struggling for smoking bans, any regulations restricting smoking in public places when they were disputable and now they are not. With the growing number of evidences demonstrating the hazardous effects of smoking, the money produced from tobacco sales should be directed to smoking prevention programs. For instance South Carolina each year spends only $5 million dollars, but generates more than $250 million,” Reynolds adds.

Reynolds would also like to do something in order to protect non-smokers. “Currently there are many scientific proofs that secondhand smoke may lead to lung cancer and other diseases, so prohibiting it and thus protecting non-smokers is just an idea whose time came.” “The largest tobacco companies have moved their tobacco farming factories overseas. They have been paying lower wages to workers in the Third World poor countries and even in China. This situation has brought to a significant price decrease of tobacco, which prompted many famers to switch to fruit and vegetable production.

Reynolds is greatly trying to get teens attention on this matter. “All tobacco companies understand that if you do not start smoking before 19, you won’t be their consumer.” You may probably wonder if Reynolds is living off cigarette money. He stated that he has sold all shares with the company and now is trying to do everything possible to make America tobacco-free. “At present in more than 40 cities there are smoking bans, I hope that this number will grow. In a few days the City of North Myrtle Beach will consider adopting the smoking ban.”