The belief is "smoking is bad for you".

I do not share that belief.

I know for a fact that it helps immensely with my asthma.

Studies show that smokers actually outlive non-smokers, not by much but by about 1-2 years.

Studies also have shown that smoking may actually help protect your lungs from radiation damage.

Also helpful in prevention of alzheimers, parkinsons, and as a treatment for schizophrenia.

Compare the increase in alzheimers and parkinsons before and after the global anti-smoking campaign.

What is probably "bad" is the chemicals that are hidden in commercial tobacco which to this day the manufacturer's will not reveal. I don't doubt many of those chemicals and insecticides and flavouring agents are very harmful indeed.

Natural tobacco is not the same as the commercial chemical laden stuff. Too many 90 year old smokers in my family for me to ever believe the bullshit put out by the anti-smoking big pharma lobbyists.