by Robert Hamm

Created on: June 02, 2009   Last Updated: June 04, 2009

What many people don't know is the original study that started the second hand smoke argument was ruled to be false and unscientific by a federal judge. Bet you don't even know what that means do you?

When scientist conduct any kind experiment they are not supposed to have any preconceived biases about the result. They ask does x cause y then devise and conduct experiments to prove or disprove their hypothesis. It was found that those conducting the second hand smoke study didn't do this.

They should have begun their experiment with the question: is second hand smoke dangerous? Instead they began with the question: second hand smoke is dangerous how do we prove it and how dangerous is it? You see the people who setup the study, compiled and analyzed the data had already formed a conclusion in their minds. Once a person does that, they've corrupted the study. They will ignore evidence that calls doesn't support the conclusion they seek to reach and focus on evidence that does. Sometimes they'll even do this without realizing it. Often they are fully aware of their prejudges.

Most of the people used in the second hand smoke studies are people who have lived with a smoker for many years, some all of their lives. The amount of smoke they are exposed to is exponentially greater than the amount a person would be if they were only exposed in public spaces. There aren't any concerted studies of the effects of second hand smoke on people who only encounter tobaco smoke in public places.

Not one single cancer case has ever been definitively tied to second hand smoke. How could it be with all the chemicals in our air? If I had it, I would bet a thousand bucks more cancer cases are caused by automobile exhaust than second hand smoke.

Admit it, many of you who support smoking bans don't really believe it's dangerous, you just don't like the smell. Well you know what I don't like? Your fifty pound overweight tail in a pair of hip huggers and a halter top. People who put memorials on the back window of their car. Women who wear too much perfume (hey can that cause lung cancer). Those of you who think you have to yell to be heard over a cell phone. People who chew tobacco and dip snuff. Guys who can't pull their pants up and women who dress up like their going to the club everytime they go out. Talking on cell phones while driving has probably already killed more people than second hand smoke ever will, but we still allow it.

These are all things I can't stand and any one of them can ruin my mood, but I understand the price of freedom is tolerating things I don't like that can, in fact, be dangerous to me.

If you live with a smoker who goes at it like an old coal locomotive, then yeah, you're probably in danger from second hand smoke. If you don't, the amount of smoke you breathe in at the bar may be irritating, but it is not a danger to your health. If you don't like the smell than just admit it instead of promoting bad science to force the rest of the country around to your point of view.

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