The Phobia: Smoke
The Cause: 'Lost'

Your average smoker will have found life hard of late. There’s a new public ban just around the corner, fag prices are rapidly increasing and there’s a growing bombardment of advertising that highlights the detrimental affects of the habit. As if that wasn’t enough to scare people away from the fumes, there’s also the not so small matter of the Smoke Monster on Lost!

Inhabitants of the island have been terrorised by the mysterious, roaring beast since the beginning of the show. No explanation as to its origins has been given, but we do know for sure that it’s as lethal as cigarettes themselves – but minus the government health warning. If the Smoke Monster did bear such a warning however, it may be along the lines of “Danger: May prove fatal to fake Nigerian priests”, as poor Mr Eko found out earlier this season.

Whilst the British government are repelling cigarettes with the upcoming public bans, there’s also a No-Smoke Monster Zone on the island courtesy of the electromagnetic sonic fence. Juliet uses it so save her and Kate’s life when chased by the creature following their exit from The Others’ settlement. Yet the smoke remains out there somewhere, lurking in the dark recesses of the jungle awaiting its next prey. So beware, next time you see someone light up a crafty fag. If the fumes start gathering and turn a touch darker then it’s time to run…