Smoking should be banned in ALL public places
by 139 people |
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Here's What I Think
Smoking should be banned in all public places.
A smoker's (poor) choice should not affect the health of others.
Secondhand smoke contains hundreds of toxic chemicals including arsenic ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, benzene, and vinyl chloride. It is known to cause cancer, coronary heart disease, and respiratory problems. There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Non smokers should not be subjected to this disgusting habit.
Wanting to ban smoking in public places isn't about taking away a smoker's rights. You will still have the right to smoke in your own space. The right to slowly and deliberately harm others was never yours to begin with.
Your Turn!
(The top posts are the most recent.)
Smoking should be banned in all public places. Indoors and out.
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, you're right!
Suzie-Shine says:
Most definitely. The thought of breathing in smelly smoke that has been in someone elses lungs is horrid.
Posted June 23, 2009
danielle haase says:
right on...ban public smoking my lungs are not happy!!
Posted June 16, 2009
person and other people thAt go fast says:
definately. It bothers many people and it affects other people health too.
You are sooo right
Posted June 07, 2009
whyimfat says:
Smoking should be obsolete by now. Here we are in 2009 and people STILL smoke cigarettes? Not cool, doesn't look OR smell sexy. Just wrong. If you smoke. Quit so you can have a better life and live longer with the ones you love. It's time.
Posted June 06, 2009
immortal says:
that's really good I thing you are right
Posted June 05, 2009
sdheeren says:
Drinking, fat people, skinny people, people with different hair color, gay people, straight people ect... Don't affect my health in a negative way "no problems here".
If you want to smoke fine. But dont compromise other peoples health in the process. It's called PUBLIC for a reason
Posted June 02, 2009
XXX-MLM-XXX says:
Agreed, but I would take it a step further, ban tobacco smoking everywhere. lol I use to smoke tobacco, so I know how difficult it is to kick habit, but think about it, lobbyists have been paying off gov. leaders since the beginning of time, and tobacco lobbyists were some of the most powerful.
Nictotine should have been banned decades ago, it adds nothing to the enjoyment of smoking, it was added by tobacco companies for one reason only, to hook smokers, so why is it we still see nicotine in tobacco products?
With advent of new electronic smoking technology, there is now no reason to allow tobacco to be used anywhere. I have been using e-cigarette for over a year and am completely off nicotine, no addiction, but I still can enjoy a few puffs whenever and wherever I want, so I know it satisfies my craving, and with no second hand smoke, no smell, no harmful carcinogens, never mind eliminating cancer, heart disease and emphysema health issues, I cannot think of a more perfect reason to ban tobacco all together.
Sure, people have rights to smoke, I was a smoker, so I know the issues first hand, but just as important, non smokers should not be subject to health concerns of second hand smoke. Even though I smoke electronic e-cigarettes, I hate the smell of burning tobacco more than ever, and I found that to be a surprise I didn't expect. My e-cigarettes taste great, smoke, or should I say, water vapor smokes just like a tobacco cigarette, but none of the negatives of stink, nicotine, health concerns, offending non smokers and all the rest of hassles of smoking.
As to cost, another concern in a deep recession like this, e-cigarettes are not subject to the rip off tobacco taxes, plus cost less overall for similar pack of cigarettes, now I just purchase flavor cartridges as needed, and since I smoke less, I am saving over a thousand a year, so add that up over your extended healthier lifetime and you have a nice retirement next egg if you invest your money saved from switching. It just makes sense to ban tobacco with a clear health safe alternative like the e-cigarette.
Wealth Without Health Is Worthless,
X-Smoker.com
Posted May 31, 2009
dustytoes says:
Outdoors at bars is the only public place it should be allowed. Those of us who don't smoke should be free (in this free country) to go somewhere and not have to breathe second hand smoke.
Posted May 13, 2009
mommal says:
I wish they would stop even making them. I hate to walk outside of my grocery store and have to hold my breath until I get far enough away from the empployees smoking.
Posted April 27, 2009
Emmaaa says:
Smoking SHOULD be banned because anyone who is around smokers has to suffer the consequences.
Posted April 27, 2009
Xx.Izzy.xX says:
smoking is horrible it can really effect somones life if they get cancer or a other smoking related disease.
Posted April 27, 2009
Morgan says:
agreed!!!!!!
Posted April 20, 2009
lucy says:
Wanting to ban smoking in public places isn't about taking away a smoker's rights. You will still have the right to smoke in your own space. The right to slowly and deliberately harm others was never yours to begin with.
Helloo stop puting smoke in my lungs
Posted April 20, 2009
lil bunny fufu says:
smoking is terible 4 the person smoking and the people around that person
Posted April 19, 2009
Wendy18 says:
Yes, you're right Christene! And while we're on the subject, cigarettes should come under the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), as it has been determined to be a drug and not just a habit. Smoking has been proven to be harmful to our health and cigarettes should be removed from the market. I have had 3 family members die due to lung cancer from smoking, and I have a sister that has VOPD/emphysema from smoking. It's a toxic drug and if the gov't cared about its people, it should be banned in our country.
Posted April 10, 2009
Treasures-By-Brenda says:
Simply, put -- smoking should be banned in all public places.
Posted April 07, 2009
Sean says:
ban it all
Posted April 02, 2009
Jenna says:
absolutely. I work in a bar and I cannot stand the way I smell or my breathing problem because customers blow smoke in my face. Also, smoking is just dirty. The ashes on the floor and the smell alone, health issues aside, are just atrocious.
Posted March 22, 2009
mehr says:
Of course it should!
Not to mention the effect it has on our envirorment
Posted March 17, 2009
Elizibeth says:
In my Perfect world it would be. However thankfully it is a least banned in all public establishments and government owned property. Why should I suffer with your smoking. However Nicotine is almost as adictive as heroin so Lets be a bit understanding... If some could quit they would.
Posted March 17, 2009
No way, Monkeybrain!
no problems here says:
I don't smoke but i do believe they should be allow to smoke in public places. How can you ban one thing and not others? Like drinking, fat people, skinny people, people with different hair color, gay people, straight people, etc...its all the same someone is always going to have a problem with something
Posted May 26, 2009
rj reynolds says:
thank you for smoking
Posted May 16, 2009
kgfdljhgefy says:
lolololol!
Posted April 23, 2009
reneh2o says:
Smoking Outdoors should be allowed, I don't see anything wrong with that.
Posted March 18, 2009
BlindOptimism says:
Although I don't like being around smokers, and agree with the current ban, I think it's unfair to take away their rights completely. Wouldn't a complete ban of smoking in public spacesonly leave them with their own homes? I think what we have right now is a fair compromise
Posted March 10, 2009
mysticmama says:
I'm sorry but whether you're a smoker or a non-smoker, everyone should be against our government having ant say-so at all about smoking. America is suposed to be a free country, if you let the government take away just one civil liberty, you open the door for them to take away all personal freedoms...Personally I don't want to make America another Nazi Germany...I say we abolish all anti-smoking laws now, before we lose all of our personal freedoms and all end up having to wear uniforms and read only government approved books...And if that's not enough, you'd better believe that your right to free speech and being able to have an opinion on squidoo are in serious danger, with every new law that passes that prohibits our rights to choose!
Posted February 27, 2009
Dkprincess6 says:
Excuse me! Indoors I can see it, but outdoors? Come on! Minnesota just enacted a smoking ban in all public places. Guess what happened? Dozens of businesses went under. They have smoking and non-smoking sections in places for a reason.
Posted February 27, 2009
elsie says:
Thats un-American
Posted February 26, 2009
brandmanager says:
Im trying to quit. Too many other things that can hurt you, kill you, scar you for life. I know smoking is bad...but we have rights also...
Posted February 19, 2009
Gabe says:
How did we get here. The Country that is the greatest champions democracy. How is it that we live in a time where the people can not recognize the difference between democracy and tyranny.
I am tired of seeing Representatives get away with justifying their support of the smoking ban by pointing to the polls. This is irrelevant. Property owners have rights. Anyone has a right to avoid a restaurant that allows smoking. Or can choose to work in a restaurant that does not allow smoking.
We need a government in Virginia that understands the limitations of government. Their are times in all our lives where we will sometimes stand in the majority and times when we will be in the minority.
There is a time for the will of the people and there is a time for individual rights. As citizens we must understand the difference.
If most the people in your neighborhood covered their lawns with astro-turf, well that would be their right. But if they wanted a law requiring you to kill the lawn you worked so hard on for years and replace it with astro-turf would that be ok because they are the majority.
Do you stand for a law to dictate how these business owners are to run the restaurant they have worked so long and hard to have. The government might as well plan their menus and take over their dept and responsibilities as well.
The market place has greatly limited the choses smoker has for dinning. Is it fair to quash it altogether.
If we don't stand for individual rights, then we will all at some point be targeted.
We must understand that a smoking ban runs contrary to our principals as Americans. I can not stress enough the importance of these principals.
If this law is passed, smokers will continue to smoke and non smokers will continue to have many options for smoke free dinning. The only thing that changes with the ban is that smokers will no longer have the freedom to choose. Doesn't sound much like America to me.
Posted February 10, 2009
stay out of my life says:
How about banning fast food too. lower income people with no insurance tend to eat more unhealthy fast food then higher income people with insurance, so there for when the lower income people develop health problems chances are they'll have to be taken care of by the government..i.e; mine and your tax money. and that would effect me... you people need to get a clue, one day they might want to ban something you enjoy doing.
Posted January 25, 2009
Jack2205 says:
Smoking should only be banned for indoor public places where children are.
Posted January 07, 2009
Dragonfiregrill says:
I am a smoker and have been for way too long, and I do not agree with your premise that all public smoking should be banned. I do, however, agree that smoking in public building should banned, primarily due to the confined space. I and 2 others in my household smoke but I will not allow smoking in my home. I do try to consider others when I smoke, I do not smoke where most people go, and consider it to be rude to smoke right in the entrance of an establishment. One thing that irritates me is for a non-smoker going to a smoking section and then complaining that people are smoking. hey the area is for smoking.
Many smokers have tried to accommodate non-smokers, but I will say that the bans have had a negative affect on many business, especially restaurants. What you say might be right but who else do you hurt when you ban something. you might want to think about that.
Posted December 31, 2008
paula says:
people that say these things are freaky people who think if we do ban smoking they will never get sick. Grow up stupid. what you eat is worse than poison. The truth is there is room enough in this world for every one. I don't see any one falling into outer space yet. They banned smoking in Arizona, and what happened? restaurants closed down , now we can't find a nice place to eat and enjoy ourselves anymore. You need to stop trying to run every one else s life and get a grip on reality.
Posted December 27, 2008
calyxa says:
I believe that some establishments should have the right to define themselves as a "smoking establishment." I won't go there, but I think it ought to be legal to do so.
Posted December 04, 2008
AvenueGirl says:
You probably have not heard of the electronic cigarette then. No tobacco, no fire, none of the 4000 toxic elements found in traditional cigarettes. People next to someone smoking (vaping) an electronic cigarette actually enjoy the aroma. Safe to smoke near people but looks like a real cigarette. Legal to smoke everywhere, but is misunderstood.
Posted November 23, 2008
Paul P. says:
Your car puts off more toxins... When you people stop driving your cars, and start walking everywhere, and shut down large factorys, that put off more CANCER causing toxins than my smokes, then I will stop smoking in public, until then, they can kiss my butt, and if they ever pass a law, I look forward to whiping my butt with the ticket.
Posted November 21, 2008
Radiomancb says:
I say if I am outside in public, then there should not be a ban. I am a respectful smoker also. If you see me smoking outside, don't come around me until I am finished. Non smokers sitting in a restaurant smoking section, is what started all this nonsense.
Posted November 15, 2008
jbauer0318 says:
NO NO NO... Its time our government take a step back and stop mandating so many silly rules. I know smoking is not popular with the "in" crowd but so what. Uptight non-smokers that are always complaining about stuff is not too popular with us smokers. So have a smoke and relax, we are all gonna die sometime. By the way, smoking ban or not, Americans are far healthier than anyother country. A much larger public health issue than smoking is overweight people. This is the trend that is killing Americans, not second hand smoke.
Posted November 13, 2008
LaurenKauf says:
The emissions from your car can cause cancer. The run off from manufacturing plants in your drinking water can cause cancer. You could cross the street and get hit by a truck. You could fall down the stairs and break your neck. If I am smoking a cigarette in a designated area and you (God forbid) have to walk around me as to not get a plume of smoke on you, I apologize for the inconvenience. However, where is the apology to me and my smoking buddies for your never ending complaining about us and to force us into a glass tank in the cold so we can smoke. The next time you see someone on tv inject a needle in their vein, snort a line of coke, or take a xanax make sure they apologize to you for their addiction. Maybe that will be my next get rich quick plan...an ALL SMOKING chain of bars. How will that go over? My question is...who is banning the non smokers from ruining my cigarette breaks? What it comes down to is "you shouldn't have to move for me and my rights" and "I should have to move for you and your rights". I think maybe we all should hit the peace pipe and mellow out a bit. ;)
Posted November 03, 2008
Help Me Prove My Point
If you agree, add links (proof!) that help me make my case
Add a link that makes my case.
2
The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke
A Report of the Surgeon General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.4 points
4
Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights
3 points
5
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco
2 points
6
http://deadliest.habit.ever.com/
1 point
Disprove My Point (if you must)
Disagree? Put your money where your mouth is and show us why.
Post links that point out why you think I'm wrong.
1
Nicotine Benefits
Smoking decreases the risks of Parkinson's and Alz more...2 points
2
Executive Summary: "Radiation from Medical Procedures in the Pathogenesis of Cancer and Ischemic Heart Disease," by John W. Gofman, M.D., Ph. D., 1999
Medical Radiation: Important co-factor in ALL canc more...2 points
3
http://www.journaloftheoretics.com/Editorials/Vol-1/e1-4.htm
Nonprofit peer-reviewed Journal of scientifically more...1 point
4
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/24/us/24bingo.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
New York Times article on smoking ban's affect's o more...0 points
What do you think of the new Electronic Cigarette?
Unlike the typical cigarette, an E-Cigarette releases a cloud of water vapor instead of smoke.
No Butts: The Tobacco-Less Cigarette That Could Beat The Ban
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Smoking Bans in the US
This is the introduction to a Wikipedia article. Click the link below to find a list of smoking bans for restaurants, bars, and non-hospitality workplaces sorted by State.
The following is a list of smoking bans in the United States. For smoking bans and restrictions outside the United States, see the worldwide list of smoking bans.
The United States Congress has not attempted to enact any nationwide federal smoking ban. Therefore, smoking bans in the United States are entirely a product of state and local criminal and occupational safety and health laws.
As further detailed in this list, smoking laws vary widely throughout the United States. Some places in the United States do not generally regulate smoking at all, some ban smoking in cert...
World Wide Smoking Bans
Click the link below
This is a list of smoking bans by country....
February is American Heart Month!
American Heart Month was started in 1963 to raise awareness of heart disease and encourage everyone to take steps to help prevent it.Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US.
Secondhand smoke is estimated to cause between 22,700 to 69,600 premature deaths from heart disease annually among nonsmokers.
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Treasures-By-Brenda wrote...
This is one of those basic debates that I find easy to answer. I don't think anyone else should 'force' me to smoke.
I'd be thrilled if you'd way in on another 'simple' debate that isn't, well, quite so simple. Banning paper coffee cups is being strongly considered in Toronto. Did you know that they are not recycled!?! Please visit and let me know what you think of that subject!
I am lensrolling your lens to mine; yours is just on a different type of pollution than mine. And, oh yes, blessing your lens, too!
Brenda
Posted April 07, 2009
Adrian Haggett wrote
Let's be totally honest here - how many people do you know personally who have died from pacif smoking? I think the bunny-huggers of this world have gone too far. If you sit around a camp fire you are likely to inhale smoke from the fire, but we don't ban camp fires, do we?
Posted March 20, 2009
JoanneOtt wrote...
I agree that smoking should not be allowed in any public places. I live in a city that banned it about 10 years ago now. It's so nice to go out and not be subjected to second hand smoke!
Posted March 05, 2009
mysticmama wrote...
very cool lens, it really gets people fired up doesn't it!
Posted February 27, 2009
LaurieBeth wrote...
Great debate, Christene.
Democracy is about compromise; that is what people don't get. Not everybody is going to get what they want--therefore, lawmakers have to weigh the pros and cons of both sides. It does not surprise me at all that at least in my wonderful state of New York, they realized that the con of one side--someone having to go the 2-3 hours it takes to have a nice dinner without a cigarette--pales in comparison to the con of the other, which is a small child or a person with asthma or other form of COPD either being blocked out from all restaurants or being injured because of someone else's choice.
Your rights end where someone else's begin. People need to remind themselves of that.
Posted February 21, 2009
healthsensei wrote...
I agree smoking should be banned too. Smoking is not the only way to reduce stress. It might be a quick and easy way to do it but why reduce stress at the cost of jeopardizing your own health? If you live in a house with smokers, I suggest that you get one of those air purifiers for homes to at least clean the air and protect yourself from secondhand smoke!
Posted December 27, 2008
jdttni wrote...
Great squidoo lens! I personally run an online electronic cigarette guide. It's a great tobacco replacement product and I highly recommend it.
Posted December 13, 2008
Aika wrote...
I have read an article yesterday that Heart Disease is not now the major cause of death but Cancer, mostly Lung Cancer, which is cause by tobacco smoking! And guess what, it still increasing the death every year.
Posted December 10, 2008
Lexi wrote...
Great lens! I posted in the duel here, I have had serious problems with second hand smoke in the past. Five Stars!
Posted November 28, 2008
thrivingmom wrote...
Smoking was recently banned in my city for ALL public buildings. What smokers don't understand is if you have chronic allergies, like I do, and sit in the non-smoking section of a restaurant, you still smell and get irritated by the smoke in the building that is being produced in the smoking section. I know that people who love their cigarettes think this is just a minor inconvenience for allergy sufferers, but if I bring it in for about an hour (which a wait for a table and a meal at a restaurant can reasonably take longer than that) I often end up with bronchitis. Smoking is the only vice that anyone can have that actually negatively impacts the health of people around them. It's completely unfair for me to do my best to stay healthy and then be forced to breathe in that toxic smoke just because I want a night out.
Posted November 25, 2008
Norma_Budden wrote...
You certainly have a controversial lens. I've read some of the comments on either side of your debate and am impressed by the number of comments coming your way.
Posted November 24, 2008
Gordon_Hamilton wrote...
The bottom line is - of course - that you are absolutely correct: smoking is a filthy, disgusting habit and in an ideal world, would be banned everywhere. Unfortunately, this is not an ideal world.
I am still smoking - on and off - for two simple reasons: I can't stop and I genuinely enjoy it, even though I know what it is doing to me. Here in the UK, there is talk at the moment about refusing smokers treatment for related conditions on our National Health Service. Sounds fair - until you consider the absolute fact that it is the tax paid by smokers on their cigarettes that funds the NHS!
I know there is no right or wrong answer to this question but you have certainly picked a fantastic subject for your lens! It is definitely one of those situations where, "You can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can never please all of the people all of the time!"
Posted October 22, 2008
Music-Resource wrote...
Hi Christene, Smoking should be banned in all public places = true statement. ~Music Resource~
Posted October 07, 2008
ashleymia wrote...
Nice lens. I am totally agree with you. Smoking is very bad thing in our society.
Posted October 01, 2008
JustAls wrote...
great lens!!!!! Who KNOWS what cigarette smoke does to us!?
Posted September 28, 2008
thrivingmom wrote...
This is a great lens and I have featured it as an example on my new lens about the various Squidoo templates. Please come by and take a look.
Posted September 22, 2008
"Isn't making a smoking section in a restaurant like making a peeing section in a swimming pool?"
- George Carlin
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