by Liane Laskoske

Created on: June 19, 2009   Last Updated: June 20, 2009

People have the right to do whatever makes them happy, as long as it is within the law and not infringe upon someone else's rights. So, why the big to-do about smoking? It is a personal choice and it is not illegal except for safety purposes. But does it infringe on someone else's rights?

What about the right to breathe clean air? I heard someone say once, "your right to smoke ends where my lungs begin." Steve Martin was once asked by a smoker in a restaurant, "Mind if I smoke?" to which Martin replied, "no. Mind if I fart?" I agree whole-heartedly with both. I don't care if you smoke, I just don't want to breathe or smell it.

But should smoking be allowed in public places? Smoking in the open air gives the smoke a chance to dissipate, and if it it a windy day, it seems a moot point. However, where does the smoke and the smell dissipate to? While waiting for a traffic light to change once, I was enjoying the fresh air through my open window, when I suddenly began getting a strong cigarette odor. The person in the car in front of me was puffing away, and billows of smoke were coming from his window and wafting into mine. Certainly, he had the right to smoke in his own car, but my right to breath fresh air was violated. Both of us had the right to have windows open. Did he have the right to pollute my air? Under current laws, yes. Was that fair? I don't believe so.

Smoking is banned from workplaces in my state. The result is that smokers go outside and stand near the doors to smoke, so that non-smokers must walk through a cloud of smelly smoke to get into the workplace, making everyone smell like an ashtray. Cigarette butts litter the brick walkway even though there are several trash receptacles and ashtrays around the area. With the smell and the litter, is it any wonder that people want smoking banned altogether?

New studies about second-hand and even third-hand smoke causes more health issues. Not only adults, but children are exposed to this smoke. I believe if smoking is to be allowed, it should be contained. Smoke should be filtered to prevent toxins and foul odors from polluting other's air. Special smoking rooms with smoke being recycled into the room may even allow smokers to "smoke" without lighting up. The ventilation system could cycle to filter the air at certain levels, releasing clean air into the atmosphere and mixing in fresh air in the room keeping smoke at a safe level.

Is this a viable option? Probably not. But if smokers refuse to stop smoking, and non-smokers continue to fight for clean air, it may be something to consider.

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