Ban Smoking In Public Places

Smoking is the number one preventable cause of death in the United States. Smokers only make up approximately 26% of the U.S. population, but those 26% affect 100% of us. In this day and age, smoking becomes common things for people. They always smoke without concern about the surroundings. Some people think smoking can liberate their tension and can relax their mind. How about the nonsmoker? A number of diseases can be caught from second hand smoking, or passive smoking, including a number of cancers throughout the body like emphysema, asthma, bronchitis, lung cancer, heart disease, cardiovascular problems, and even SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The affects of smoking have been proven to be harmful to smokers and non-smokers alike. A ban on smoking in all public places would greatly decrease the health hazards related to smoking.

We have a right to clean air and to a safe environment, smoking should be banned in public places for many reasons, including the fact that it is a huge health risk for both smokers and non-smokers. We find smoking to be irritating for a number of reasons. The smell of smoke is awful, it clings to your clothing, and it affects the breath of the smoker harshly. Smoke in the air is also irritating to the eyes, causing them to water and itch. Personal hygiene is affected too: smoke stains your teeth and can cause sores inside the mouth. Smoking, simply put, just looks stupid. Smokers whether they like it or not, are criticized and judged daily by strangers just for having a cigarette in their mouth. Frankly, we believe smoking to be a complete waste of the time spent smoking and the money.

A physical separation of smokers and non-smokers in a public place isn't enough. It is unfair for one person's nasty habit to affect another person's health. Currently 48 states and the District of Columbia have Clean Air Acts intact. The state of California has a law that prohibits smoking of any kind inside any restaurant, bar, or gaming club. Many communities throughout the US have taken a stand on smoking and have their own policies. Will other states follow California's lead? All of us non-smokers certainly hope so. Laws imposed against smoking may in fact help smokers quit. A large majority of smokers legitimately want to quit, but have no

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