Context:There was always wine and always , always cigarettes . It was your responsibility as a child not to get burned by your mom 's cigarette . Not to run up and hug her from behind without making sure first that there was no cigarette . You had to be alert if you stood too close , ready for a conversational gesture that might bring the lit cigarette flying towards your arm or face .
Question What may be the reason why people smoked so much back then ?
Answer:
They did n't know of the health risks associated with smoking .