by Jinai

Created on: May 10, 2008

It is the fault of the tobacco industry that I have lung disease, the fast food industry made me fat and at risk for a heart arrack, the coffee makers caused my insomnia and the bad breath and discolored teeth resulted in divorce. The cell phone manufacturer is responsible because I couldn't multitask: smoke, drive, drink coffee, eat the fat burger and talk on the phone without hitting the car in the next lane. Ridiculous? Yes. Where do you draw the line when it comes to personal responsibility?

The health hazards of cigarette smoking have been known since 1960. Anti smoking slogans point out that the additives in cigarettes are those used to surface roads, clean toilets and kill rats and other pests. No one thinks it is cool or sophisticated to smoke anymore, the addictive properties are not a secret yet people still light up and new smokers are joining the ranks. It should not come as a surprise that advertising is geared to sell a product weather it's sneakers, CD players or cigarettes. Parents can't abdicate the responsibility of monitoring a minor's purchases to the manufacturer and adults should be able to see the consequences of their actions.

Although tobacco is considered a legal substance, steps have been taken to protect the consumer. Laws make it illegal to smoke on planes, in restaurants, hospitals, public buildings and workplaces. Yet, on the way in to the hospital, rain, snow or shine, I pass many of the nursing and respiratory therapy staff taking their cigarette breaks outside the building. These are people who see the effects of smoking first hand. Most frequent patient complaints and altercations revolve around smoking regulations which they perceive as a violation of patient's rights.

Neither public education nor the tobacco tax has been a strong enough deterrent to smoking. Perhaps the tobacco industry should have the buyer sign a consent form stating: "I am aware that use of this product puts me at risk for developing asthma, bronchitis, infections and death. I choose to accept these risks and absolve ________ from liability".

With every new legislation there is an outcry of protest about violation of individual's rights. The smokers accuse the government of overstepping its authority. With freedom, comes responsibility. Therefore, smokers should be held responsible for their choice to smoke and, if this choice exposes others to second hand smoke they should also have accountability for the endangerment of others.

Learn more about this author, Jinai.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.