Smoking Ban

As a non-smoker, why should I have to put up with the secondhand smoke around me? In the article “Smoking ban isn’t government’s business” by Pete VanBaalen, he implies the government doesn’t need to make decisions on his behalf. However, the government needs to look out for the rights of the public, including children. Proposed smoking bans propose no smoking in any public place; such as bars, restaurants, and bowling alleys. If government and public officials don’t look out for children’s rights, who will? Smoking bans not only protect those without a voice in public affairs, but also the interests of the community. The smoking ban protects our children, cuts down on health costs, and allows non-smokers options for entertainment.

Children do not have a voice when it comes to secondhand smoke; therefore, someone needs to watch out for their interests. VanBaalen’s (2007) article implies that our personal right to choose is being taken away. There isn’t a specific organization, that I know of, looking out for children’s health issues. In some cases, children do not have a choice but to inhale secondhand smoke. An example is when parents take their children to restaurants and sit in the smoking section. Parents could reduce the risk of their own children smoking cigarettes by not smoking around them. Before June 1, 2007, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, anyone taking children to the bowling alley and the zoo would endure secondhand smoke. The new smoking ban now in Fort Wayne, and many locations throughout the United States, will hopefully reduce the risk of secondhand smoke for children.

However, children are not the only ones who suffer from secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke also leads to adult health problems, which in turn, leads to higher insurance premiums. There is no “risk free” secondhand smoke. Breathing in secondhand smoke is just as bad as smoking a cigarette. Smoking increases the risk for cancer, stroke, and heart problems, which in turn, can lead to more hospital and doctor visits. Smoking bans reduce the potential for exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke causes billions of dollars to be spent on health care every year. Smokers are not only affecting their own health, but are affecting the people around them as well.

Furthermore, everyone is entitled to clean air. Almost every bar in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was a smoking establishment until this ban came into effect. I understand it is my choice to go into these places of business, but where is the bar for non-smokers? I am tired of coming home and smelling like an ashtray. VanBaalen (2007) also implies, in his article, that a business owner/landlord should have the decision to allow smoking. I do not want my choice of being smoke free to be decided by someone concerned with keeping fat pockets. I want my interest and health protected by someone who will consider my opinion and not make a biased judgment.