thank you for NOT smoking

Having a smoking section in a restaurant is like having a peeing section in a pool. It just doesn’t make much sense. Although your level of exposure can be reduced dependent on where you’re at, there is still some level of exposure. According to Ezine Articles, the number one cause of death in the United States, premature death at that, is cigarette smoke. Not only is it the number one cause of death, but it is also the most preventable. We have known for quite some time now that cigarettes are hazardous to your health, but it’s not only your health that you have to take into consideration.

Many smokers believe that smoking falls in one of their unalienable rights, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence, the right to the pursuit of happiness. However, this does not apply here because the right to the pursuit of happiness states that a man is free to do anything that he pleases so long as it is legal and so long as it does not interfere with the rights of others. I completely understand if you choose to live your life by the cigarette and die by it, but numerous other people choose not to and should not have to suffer the consequences of your smoking.

The Surgeon General, Richard Carmona, released a report in June 2006, which announced that approximately 126 million non-smokers are exposed to the hazards of cigarette smoke every year. With this exposure comes an increased risk for development of coronary heart disease, which in turn may lead to heart attacks, asthma, COPD, pneumonia, and stroke. Not to mention that children under the age of five are the most susceptible to these risks, along with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Second hand smoke can also hinder both physical and cognitive development in children.

The most serious risk that other non-smokers face is heart attack. Dr. David Meyers, professor of Cardiology and Preventive Medicine at the University of Kansas School of Medicine stated that “even breathing in low doses of cigarette smoke can increase one’s risk of heart attack.” As a matter of fact second hand smoke is nearly as detrimental to the heart as chronic active smoking and can increase the risk of heart attack in non-smokers by up to 30%. Studies show that bans on smoking can help to reduce the number of heart attacks by up to 26% a year, not to mention the numerous other health benefits that result from bans on smoking.

I work as a blackjack dealer in a local casino. And although I am not a smoker, I probably “smoke” about two packs of cigarettes a day. I made the decision not to smoke and do not think that it is fair that I have to suffer the consequences because of those who choose to smoke. I believe that smoking should be banned in all public places, both indoor and outdoor. I hope eventually smoking will also be banned in homes, even if only those with minors in them.