Day 12

It’s been a whole year since the ‘smoking in public places ban' came into effect and by all accounts has been effective and, generally speaking, well implemented. The bottom line on this issue is that previous to the ban everybody was exposed to the dangers of second hand smoke in offices, restaurants, cafes, shops and everywhere in-between. The non smoker would have no choice but to inhale the toxic fumes, and this included children. The smokers argument that their rights have been taken away hold no water; for to allow them their ‘rights’ would mean  the right of others to breathe unpolluted air, is taken away. Smoking outside is fair and correct and does not adversely affect those who choose health.

For those of you in doubt as to the detrimental effects of smoking cigarettes a simple search on Google will throw up more articles than you can handle; the facts and figures are indeed scary:

Of the fifty carcinogens which are known to be present in the burning of tobacco, eleven were found to be cancer causing to humans; these are named below:

1.       Acetone

2.       Ammonia

3.       Arsenic

4.       Benzene

5.       Benzoapyrene

6.       Butane

7.       Cadmium

8.       Formaldehyde

9.       Lead

10.   Propylene glycol

11.   Turpentine

... Let’s not forget the addictive effects of Nicotine.

The illnesses or deaths related to smoking, apart from cancers are many and include: heart disease, stroke, emphysema and asthma.

The illnesses or death related to second-hand smoke are as above but for children there is the risk of: sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory illnesses, middle ear infections, and can cause behavioural and cognitive problems.

According to the World Health Organisation, every 6.5 seconds a smoker or former smoker dies as a result of the habit; this equates to about 5 million per year. In the USA the numbers are about 443,000 per year( this figure includes 50,000 who die from the effects of second hand smoke), whilst in China the figure is a staggering 1.2 million deaths  per year. All of this equates to a tragic waste of lives and an unnecessary burden on health services worldwide.

On top of all this, smokers battle with staining of their teeth, more cavities, wrinkles and leathery skin. Surely all this would convince anybody to quit... but alas no, the risk is apparently worth it!!