Smoking Ban

Essay One: Smoking Ban

As you may know, there has been a smoking ban in effect this year in Central

Ohio. The law was passed earlier this year in attempts to limit the amount of

second-hand smoke that non-smokers are exposed to in public places. The new

ordinance passed by an exceptional 5-1 margin. It bans all smoking in enclosed public

places within the city limits; however, private homes and tobacco shops are among the

few exceptions. To be permitted to smoke outside, you must be at least twenty feet from

the enclosed area. Although the decree was passed by such a large margin there are still

many opposed to the change, feeling as though their freedoms are being restricted. Many

people don't realize that second-hand smoke can cause both long-term and immediate

effects on human health.

Non-smokers are typically more sensitive to the toxic effects of tobacco smoke

than smokers, causing headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Children are most vulnerable to

the harmful effects of second-hand tobacco smoke. A child's lungs are much smaller

than an adult's and their immune system is less developed. Because they are smaller,

children inhale more often, breathing in more smoke; therefore taking in more harmful

chemicals than a typical adult. Children are unlikely to be allowed to leave a smoke-

filled room if they wanted to. Infants cannot speak, let alone do much of anything for

themselves. Some children might not feel comfortable asking to leave, and some know

that they won't be allowed to leave even if they do ask. Children living in households

where both parents are smokers are much more likely to have long-term complications in

life. They are more likely to suffer from respiratory symptoms and acute lower

respiratory tract infections and also reduced lung function. According to the Surgeon

General and the World Health Organization, 700 U.S. infants died from Sudden Infant

Death Syndrome as a result of maternal smoking. (CDC, 1992) Also, 7,500 to 15,000

hospitalizations have resulted from exposure to second-hand smoke. (American Academy

of Pediatrics, 1993)

With these things in mind, it is my belief that anyone who is against the smoking

ban is not very concerned for the welfare of children and is clearly not a very considerate

individual. Perhaps smokers just need to be reminded of the harmful effects that tobacco

smoke has on children. The 'Truth' and 'Take a Stand' commercials on television and

radio are doing a great job of getting that message out. In fact, I wish there were ten of

those commercials for every one cigarette advertisement. I think we are moving in the

right direction and the smoking ban in Columbus is a tremendous start.

There is, however, a concern for local businesses and the loss of revenue due to

the recent ban. Many businesses, especially restaurants, bars, sports bars, and clubs are

not at all pleased with the smoking ban. "We've lost a great deal of business since this

ban was passed!" many owners are saying. Due to the nature of a bar, smokers enjoy

having a place to go to sit down, have a few beers, and smoke. Since children are clearly

not old enough to be in those places, obviously the welfare of children is not at stake in a

bar. But just because there are no children around doesn't mean that a non-smoking

adult doesn't wish to breathe in clean air; and shouldn't they have the right to? Many

non-smokers are obviously pleased with the ban because they can finally enjoy sitting at

a bar not worrying about their health and not coming home smelling like an ashtray. So

there are definitely