MOVIE PLEA
Die Another Day without that cigarette
James Bond may have quit smoking 14 years ago, but he remains at high risk from the puffing habits of his many sexual partners, researchers warn. Delving into the British spy’s on-screen smoking history, a team of public health researchers sought to highlight the tobacco hazards faced by the fictional action hero — and the real-life people he may have inspired. Although he gave up the habit, 007 continued putting himself at risk by cavorting with smokers, the duo wrote in the journal Tobacco Control. This "would have meant high levels of secondhand smoke exposure for Bond, especially with postcoital smoking, even to the point where one partner used an ashtray positioned on his naked chest", they say. The risk was slightly offset, added the researchers, "by the typically brief nature of his relationships", they add. Though seemingly frivolous, the study does have a serious message about the behaviour-swaying power of film characters’ lifestyle choices.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.