[Avodah] Is Smoking Mutar?

[Harvey Benton]

RAF: ... shomer  petaim haShem applies. In other words, risks that are acceptable in society [HB: RAF response is to HB's question about other common dangerous activities/sakanas].

HB: When and to what extent does Shomer PTaim HaShem apply? And wy would it constanly change according to societies norms?  Sometimes the Chachamim try to after the fact justify Yiddishe actions; e.g. to be melamud schus (like what KSAruch says about
the Chachamim re: people who don't sleep in the Sukkah).  Is this such a case?  In other words, are such SPHashem activities actually assur in halacha, but we allow it, because the practices are widespread, and people will not listen to the Chachamim anyhow?
 
 RAF: This problem is dealt with by looking at the cumulative statistics and the chance of reversing the negative effects by changing habits.

 HB: This doesn't address the question of on what grounds is smoking assured, if not for direct pikuach nefesh.  Nor  the issue of any single cigarette actually contributing to reduced life expectancy.  Cumulativlely stopping smoking has its positive benefits; but we do not cumulatively smoke.  We smoke one cigarrette at a time, and if that one cigarrette will be assured, then on what grounds?
 
KTuv 
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