In Boardwalk Empire there's a sub plot in the Fourth season about Eli's eldest son lying to him about drinking and smoking at university. I get the drinking part but would parents in 1923 worry about smoking at all? if so why, its not like they know about the health risks?

by grapp
envatted_love

its not like they know about the health risks

While the health risks had not been demonstrated rigorously, plenty of people had their suspicions. Two recent /r/AskHistorians threads have explored this topic.

Edited for clarity.

masiakasaurus

Does the dialogue make it clear that Eli is concerned about Will's health and not, say, spending his father's money on cigarettes?