What are some good real good reasons for banning smoking in public places?

Question

I need to know for my debate in a class. It's a tough subject and I really need some help

Answer 1

I wouldn't be as worried about the SHS as I would the exhaust from that diesel engine going down the road but if you want to buy into the Nazi propaganda that SHS is the most dangerous evil in the world be my guest. I for one won't follow for what some of the people above me have, I have a mind of my own and have enough common sense to research the issue rather than believe what I'm told to believe.(Oh wow it has over 4000 toxic chemicals and geuss what so does your drinking water it's the dose that makes the poison) With that being said, while SHS isn't as dangerous as some of the people on this board might want you to think there still may be some reasons for banning smoking.

I would start with fire risk, something that whoever you are debating won't be likely to expect. You know a cigarette is a burning thing and has caused many fires even some that have directly cost lives. Do some research for fires caused by that tossed smoke and see what you can find.

There are some people that have legitimate allergies to smoke, what about their health. I would not try to debate that SHS is deadly, if you end up debating someone with half a brain they will make you look foolish.

The affects of First hand smoke are well known, a debate I would use to argue a public ban on public smoking would be as a preventative in youth smoking. You wouldn't let people openly look through a pornographic magazine with small children around, why would you want an influence such as smoking around them. Likely nobody will be dumb enough to try and argue that first hand smoke isn't dangerous because it is and you have precedent in your favor hear. Look at all the laws out there to protect youth from being harmed, stopping smoking in public places could just be another.

I would also avoid the argument directly above mine, just because it's offensive doesn't mean it should be illegal. I find it offensive when someone passes gas, are we going to pass a law against that next? Fact is there is NO sceintific proof that SHS is dangerous(actually the opposite) and offensive just isn't enough for a ban.

Answer 2

Many people have breathing disorders --such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema which can be aggravated by smoke. It is not fair to subject them to smoke.

Even if there is a "separate" area for smoking, the air goes everywhere.

Employees in a smoking environment are exposed to the smoke all day long.

Studies have shown that second - hand smoke can affect a non-smoker. Why should they have to limit where they can go?

A smoker can go outside to smoke-- it won't hurt them. Smokers can still smoke in their own house or car. That way they will not pollute the air for others.

As far as "smoker's rights" They can smoke anywhere they like as long as they are not bothering others who choose not to smoke. And, if they are smoking in public places, chances are excellent that they will bother SOMEONE.

I heard a saying once " Your right to swing your fist ends where my nose begins." In other words, you have rights as long as they don't infringe on mine.

Answer 3

I guess so the damned pigeons won't get emphysema. For the luvva pete don't tell that to the teacher..May not have sense of humor ! I really can't think of a reason that I can not smoke in public, outside !

Answer 4

Because it is another wonderful step towards 1984 !! Further control on our lives and our freedoms.

I WILL grant that smoke and secondhand smoke are unhealthy. YET they are not as unhealthy as auto exhaust... but we haven't banned that. It doesn't kill anywhere NEAR as many as alcohol, and we don't restrict alcohol as tightly. NOR have we raised taxes on alcohol the way we do on tobacco.

Litter ? There are already LAWS that cover litter... and I see more candy wrappers, beer tabs, and other junk that I have ever seen cigarette butts. FYI, I got a Boy Scout group to do a SORTING of the litter we picked up along our downtown streets: 1.5 pounds of butts... 8 pounds of GUM, 50 pounds of newspaper, 25 pounds of AA batteries, 65 pounds of glass, and 45 pound of cups (Starbucks, McDonalds, etc).

Answer 5

Littering. I haven't seen a place yet where they dont' litter butts.

smoke (if they smoke near air intake vents like they did at my work, it does into the building)

biological (Saliva on cigs on ground- carry germs)

Smokers tend to gather in places they should not (like out side near the front of the door instead of in back with ithe smoking area)

You may be forced to walk through thier smoke in the outdoor air.

Answer 6

1. Second hand smoke This is the biggest one. Check out the reasons. http://quitsmoking.about.com/cs/secondhandsmoke/a/secondhandsmoke.htm?terms=second+hand

2. Cost to the city. (litter clean up cant tell you how many smokers just drop their dirty, sucked on butts on the sidewalk. I wonder if it is a health risk right there)

Answer 7

It is offensively intrusive. Meaning it is ACTIVELY intrusive on non-smokers. When I enter a room and NOT smoke it does not offend ANYONE. I have developed a habit of NOT smoking, and my habit doesn't violate the rights of anyone else. However smoking is in a different category. Smokers have developed a habit of smoking and when they exercise that habit it offends others who do not smoke. My right to NOT smoke is not the same as their habit of smoking.

Often you will hear smokers equate their choice to smoke with my choice to not smoke. But a similar argument would be for me to say to them, "Your right to not hit me in the nose is the same as MY right to hit you in the nose. If I choose to slug you in the nose, you cannoc complain because that is my right, just as it is your right to NOT hit me in the nose."

This of course is a ridiculous argument, but it is THEIR argument in attempting to justify their offensive and selfish behavior to smoke and violate the air of others with more will power and self confidence.


Hope this helps a little bit.

Answer 8

Second hand smoke is the number one reason...I smoke but I don't blame them for doing it...it's not really fair to those who don't smoke

Answer 9

There are many people that health problems that are affected by cigarette and cigar smoke. It's not always apparent when someone will be affected by others smoking around them.

Answer 10

Second hand smoke is very unhealthy. It can cause the same illnesses that the smokers get themselves.