Am I wrong to be bothered by people who smoke?

Question

I have asthma and being around tobacco smoke has always bothered me. Is it rude to say something to them? I dont want to be mean.

Answer 1

I have asthma too, and I hate it when people smoke. I usually ask them to just not smoke when I'm in the room, or I simply move away if it's bothering me. It's great now in England how I can go into a restauraunt and not have to be slowly killed indirectly.

Answer 2

No, you are not wrong. While it is true that people have a right to smoke, you also have the right to breath clean air. However you do have to be tactful in your approach. For example, if you come up to a bus stop and there is someone smoking there, it would make common sense for you to just stand on the opposite side so that the smoke isn't blown in your direction. But if you were already sitting there and someone comes up and lights up, then you do have the right to ask them to move. And don't be afraid to let them know that you have asthma and that second-hand smoke can cause breathing problems for you. If they don't oblige, then fake a mild asthma attack to get their attention. Even if you are afraid to ask the person, pretend like you are having trouble breathing. If the person asks what's wrong, then let them know that their smoke is making it hard for you to breath. I'm sure most smokers would be polite enough to move if you just ask.

Answer 3

No!

If you are bothered, you are bothered. How can that be "wrong"?

You have a medical issue. No one would allow children to kick the shins of a gentleman in a wheelchair, but they think it's OK to put smoke into the lungs of an asthmatic...partly because your disability is invisible.

I say, nicely, "Would you mind moving your cigarette over there? (pointing). Thanks so much!" and get 95% compliance.

Join Action on Smoking & Health, one of the best organizations getting ordinances worldwide for protection from unwanted tobacco smoke.

Answer 4

If they are smoking in an area that is designated smoke free then you are perfectly in your rights to ask them to quit. If you are in a home then ask them politely, most will quit especially if you explain how it aggrevates your asthma.

However, if they are in an area where they are allowed to smoke, then it is on you to get up and move to someplace you won't be bothered.

There are less and less areas where people can smoke, and while it may be unhealthy and unsnitary, it is not illegal. If you feel strongly enough run for office, though I think the Supreme COurt would strike down the ruling and the south would seceed from the union again.

Answer 5

My papaw had asthma as well and a disease called black lung. He had to carry around an artificial lung (well, I guess that's what they are called...just a small oxygen tank). He loved to eat at the Waffle House, and when we would go people would see that smoke would bother him and would put out their cigarettes...usually anyway. You can't help that you have asthma, but they can do without a cigarette for a bit...it isn't rude as long as you don't say it in a rude way. If I smoked, I wouldn't care if someone asked me to put out my cig as long as they were nice about it.

Answer 6

I have asthma as well, and smoking really aggravates my breathing. If I am standing by someone who is smoking, I just walk away. If I have to be there, then I politely ask "Excuse me, not to bother you, but I have asthma and breathing in smoke isn't good for me, do you think you could put away your cigarette?" and then if I am with someone that I know, I will just tell them that they should know better than to smoke around me. If you are tactful you will usually get results. Hope this helps!
~*Mary*~

Answer 7

No, it is not rude to ask someone to not blow their carcinogenic fumes in your path. It is medically proven that cigarette smoke, even second hand, causes cancer. It is rude to think you have a right to do it in public. If you cannot get through a dinner without lighting up, you have a real problem with nicotine addiction.

As for those who smoke and claim it is their "right" to smoke if they want to, I wholeheartedly agree. Knock yourself out. Just do it in the privacy of your own home, your car, or outside, AWAY from the entrance of a building. (I hate to walk through a blanket of thick nasty smoke to get inside.)

It's funny how there are laws that you must pick up your dog's poo (a natural item that won't kill you), but we're supposed to let people poison our lungs. Very odd.

Answer 8

absolutely not, tell them politely that you are asthmatic and that you would appreciate them smoking either outside or in a different area of the house or building that you are in. sometimes they will have no problem moving, but if they do have a problem with it them announce politely that you are leaving and will return when they are done smoking. its not being mean, its looking after yourself, and if they are offended, then tell them im sorry but i dont want to have an asthma attack just for hang around here. i myself am slightly asthmatic

Answer 9

I don't have asthma, but I'm bothered by people who smoke as well. If I'm with them for a second it's no big deal, but if I'm going to be stuck with them (waiting in line, etc.) I'll politely ask them to stop. Most people stop and apologize.

Answer 10

Nope. Just say, "Excuse me, sorry to bother you but I have really bad asthma, would you mind smoking somewhere else?