Smoking in public places
When I look back the time when smoking in public places even in the office or restaurants was allowed, I think to myself that how it was possible for people to put up with the circumstances. Since everyone acknowledges that smoking is harmful not only to those who smoke but also to people who happen to be around, I disagree with the people who advocate their rights for smoking in public places. The reason that I think smoking in public places should be banned are the followings. Smoking imposes a health risk on even second-hand smokers and everyone has a right to clean air.
Even though some papers are published saying that there is no risk for second-hand smokers, everyone knows that the researches are funded by big tabacco companies. And the claims are disregared as nonsense instead of making people wonder whether they can be true. It is generally accepted thses days that smoking causes a lot of cancers especially lung cancer. Taking the fact that smoking is harmful to smokers themselves and people who happen to be around into consideration, it is surprising that there are still people who claims that they are prejudiced because they are not allowed to smoke in open places. I am wondering whether the people who say that smokers have equal right as the non-smokers smoke in the same room where their childern are in their own house. I do not think people in their right mind would dare to do that. Then what they are saying is that the lives of people who are close to them are valuable. Everyone's life is precious.
I have a strong opinion against allowing smokers to smoke while they walk. I think this should be banned as well. I know that there are cities in Japan where smoking on streets are banned completely after one accident. One child was walking right after a person who smoked and then the cigarette the man was holding touched her face. She got a burnt mark on her face. This accident formed a united voice for banning smoking on streets. Other cities which have not banned smoking on streets should consider what can happen and take actions rather than waiting for another accident to happen. This can be a serious danger to children and even adults as well. One time, I happened to walk behind a guy who was smoking. It was windy and a part of the ash from the cigarette flew to me and it was glowing. Luckily, I did not get any harm but it was unpleasant. In addition, when I walk to my school breathing fresh air, I get to cough suddenly and then most of the time, I find someone who smokes nearby. All I want to say is that everyone has a right to clean air and safe environment.
It is surprising that given all the facts, there are still people who claims that they should have the equal right as the non-smokers to public places. However, the promising fact is that laws are made to protect non-smokers rights rather than smokers. It seems to be unfair for smokers since they have limited access to places where they can smoke but it will turn out to be beneficial for them as well since they will have fewer chances to smoke. In summary, banning smoking in public places is like killing two birds with one stone.