by Rahman Majere

Created on: January 21, 2011   Last Updated: January 31, 2011

There are over 400 toxic chemicals in every stick of cigarette (Peter, 45). Ingredients that are used in nylon, embalming fluid, paint stripper, weed killer, mirrors and plastic can all be found in cigarettes! Unlike most consumable items, there's not even a hint of a list of ingredients on a pack of cigarettes. The only label, if any, is an ominous warning that "smoking kills".

Plenty of studies have clearly demonstrated the long term effects of smoking on both the smoker and those who are around him. It would take an extremely deluded individual to ignore the various studies that have repeatedly and decisively proven the harmful effects of second-hand smoke. Even without technology and formal research, any right thinking individual can easily listen to his or her own body to ascertain whether smoking is harmful or otherwise.

Of course, many will cite the local equivalent of freedom of speech and individual rights. It can be debated that individuals do indeed have the right to slowly butcher their own body, their loved ones, wallets and the environment, but smoking in public places intrudes upon others' rights in a very direct and immediate way. 

The very definition of a public place implies that all members of society may be found there. This includes minors as well as toddlers and even babies carried by their parents or siblings. Cigarette smoke affects not only the adults in public places but also these vulnerable youths and children. It is worth noting that many if not most smokers have fits of coughing upon their first smoking experience. Many ordinary non-smokers would likely have the same reaction if exposed to a lot of cigarette smoke. This can interrupt their daily life and may even prove fatal in the case of those suffering from conditions such as asthma or other breathing difficulties. Cigarettes also contain cadmium which can cause malformations in a foetus (Peter, 47)

Even if we were to disregard the effects of cigarette smoke on the body, smoking still should not be done in public places for a variety of reasons. Let's face it. A large number of smokers do not dispose of their cigarettes properly and will often litter if there's no immediate rubbish bin in sight. Cigarette smoke obscures the clarity of the air and can exacerbate existing smog or fog. The smell of cigarette smoke can also linger around public places for a long time.

For all these reasons, cigarette smoking should not be allowed in public places where it can harm or inconvenience the general population. The argument of individual freedom doesn't carry weight as the social contract allows such only as long as those rights do not negate the rights of others. If we were to allow smoking in public places, we would only be affirming the right of an individual to engage in harming others as well as themselves. The alternative which is to ban such an act allows members of the public to enjoy public facilities and places as they rightly should. At the same time, it is also a stand that acknowledges the social contract.

References:

Stop Smoking by Peter Cross and Clive Hopwood

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