The Dangers Of Smoking In Public Places

Do you smoke? Do you know someone who does? Today, most people have encountered the unpleasant smell of a cigarette. They understand how hard it is to escape the smell once it is on their clothes. However, most people have no knowledge of what the smell of a cigarette can do to their body. Smoking is more than someone with an addiction. It has become a death sentence. Sadly, those who do not partake in the activity suffer the same consequence as those who do. For instance, children who are around smoke for long periods of time often develop respiratory problems. Years ago, smoking was the cool thing to do, but since discovering its fatal qualities, it has become a major problem within our society. Laws banning smoking in public places …show more content…
Before smoking in public places was against the law, second hand smoke was very popular in common areas. For example, restaurants, beaches, parks, etc. were public locations that allowed smoking. Not only will there be non-smokers, but children can also be found at these locations. Furthermore, children are often exposed to second hand smoke at home; it is very common within apartment buildings. Among the many issues caused by smoking, fires are more prone to occur when smoking inside a building. During these situations, people who smoke within the building become comfortable which sometimes results in carelessness. In addition, second hand smoke can cause respiratory disease and it can result in death if it is not contained. In order to ensure a safe environment, strict laws should be enforced within our society. Banning smoking in public places is only the first preventive measure enforced by law; it brings society one step closer to creating a safer and healthier world for those who do not …show more content…
In this case, smokers and non-smokers are being treated differently in order to protect the health of non-smokers. Protecting non-smokers from toxic poisons and future health problems is vitally important. Studies show, “More than 5,000,000 deaths a year are estimated to be the direct result of tobacco use, and more than 600,000 deaths are the result of exposure to second-hand smoke” (Kim 2). More than ten percent of deaths related to smoking is due to secondhand smoke. Non-smokers should not suffer the same consequence of those who choose to smoke. Also, if secondhand smoke did not have detrimental results, there would be no need for a law banning smoking in public places; however, secondhand smoke causes lung cancer. Therefore, smokers should not be permitted to expose any non-smoker to second hand