Which of the following best describes the social costs associated with cigarette smoking and the need for regulations to mitigate these costs?

Cigarette smoking creates social costs, which are the negative effects that impact people who do not smoke. For example, when someone smokes in a public place, the smoke can harm the health of nearby people and contribute to higher healthcare costs for society. These costs are not just paid by smokers but also by everyone through increased medical bills and lost productivity. Regulations, like banning smoking in certain areas or taxing cigarettes, help to reduce these harmful effects and protect the health of the community. By addressing these negative externalities, regulations aim to make smoking less appealing and encourage healthier choices for everyone.