Penn State Grapevine

Americans should be free from tyranny of smoke

Wednesday, July 01, 2009 By Talia Kirkland

In order for Americans to live in an area without being forced to inhale carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia on a daily basis the smoking ban must be passed nationwide . Today, Americans believe they know everything about smoking and all its adverse effects. Most believe they know that smoking kills one in every 10 adults globally. Most also know that over 4,800 chemicals were found in cigarettes and that 69 of those chemicals cause cancer. An estimated 440,000 Americans die with smoking related diseases each year. Americans then deserve to know that over 54,000 people die annually in the US alone, from secondhand smoke exposure according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Secondhand smoke causes coughing, phlegm, chest discomfort and reduced lung functioning nonsmokers, and they deserve to know that when they go out they no longer have to be subjected to this toxic smoke. Americans deserve to have freedoms, and by living in an area without a smoking ban these freedoms are being taken away. Americans have the right to choose where they live, eat and enjoy their day, so they should have the right to choose what they inhale. Over 35 states have already passed some form of a smoking ban according tothe State Health Fact website. There is hesitation from the other 13 or plus states, claiming that there is no “War on Tobacco”. There is no war on a product that is killing half a million people a year. No war on a product that increases middle ear infection, asthma, dental cavities and SIDS in young children. If there is no “War on Tobacco” there should be a push for the smoking ban. There should be a push for a ban that could possibly save a little under half a million people a year. There must be a push fora ban that would give Americans back the freedom of enjoying public places without inhaling toxic smoke. At the end of the day, Americans deserve a smoking ban. At the end of the day, Americans deserve the right not to inhale.