Why is there such a fuss over cigarette smoke these days?

Question

I don't smoke. I used to but have abandoned the idea of it, along with its lack of benefits. However, I'm wondering why such a big fuss over the concept of second hand smoke?

If you put a person holding a lit cigarette side by side an automobile that is running; which emission is more dangerous, the cigarette smoke or the exhaust from the automobile? I don't think I've ever heard of anyone closing their garage doors only to leave their cigarette burning so they could commit suicide. But many have done so with the exhaust of the automobile.

And what about the costs of oil; are oil companies getting ready to be able to afford the great big law suits against them, just like the cigarette companies had lost to, due to the civil suits against them for destroying our sweet smelling air from their exhast emissions, which by contrast to a cigarette has polluted our world a lot more?

So you want to be responsible, uh? Get rid of the oxygen damaging exaust systems too why don't you.

Answer 1

There are air filters on cars to get rid of the exhaust coming into the car and most cars have air conditioners where you don't need to rely on open windows for cooling.

Cigarette smoking is known to cause cancer as well as the second hand smoke that occurs with others around it.

Personally smoking gives me migraines, and I don't think that "I" as a non smoker should have to be subjected to pain because of another person being inconsiderate of others.

Answer 2

As I sit here with my laptop, my oxygen tube is in my nose and the "oxygen converter" is on.  That is one good reason for the fuss over cigarette smoke.  I gave it up, over two years ago, and it was  the hardest thing I have ever done.  I still would love to light up...but I won't.  I now have emphysema, which is manageable, until I catch cold or bronchitis, which is now!  But, I would say that I polluted my own lungs...it was not second-hand, although when I was young, everybody smoked.  Obviously, it doesn't pollute the atmosphere like a car, but I can't ride a cigarette to my doctor's office for treatment, and he doesn't make house calls.

Answer 3

There are a few things wrong with your analogy here.  I'll try to list them, although I may not make the best case, since I am sympathetic to your overarching point.

First, I think you will find that no cigarette company has been sued for "destroying our air."  They are generally sued for deceiving people about the effects of their product.  Also, I think you'll find that many companies that burn petroleum or extract it HAVE been sued for destroying the air.

Secondly, I think many people would argue that since we already have many laws governing car exhaust, why shouldn't we have laws governing cigarette smoke, which is perhaps more dangerous?  I've included in the sources what I found to be an interesting comparison sheet.  Let's remember that it was legislation that removed lead from gasoline and therefore from car exhaust.  Stringent regulations on tailpipe emissions led to the adoption of the catalytic converter to reduce pollutants.  The Department of Transportation sets MPG regulations for vehicles, which in turn affects the amount they pollute and the amount of oil they burn.  What would be they harm in placing some similar restrictions on cigarette manufacturers?

As I said, however, I have sympathy for you original point.  I don't think the government should have the authority to ban cigarettes from private restaurants or bars, since the owners really ought to have control over what (legal) things to allow on their property.  If the government wants to ban smoking on government owned land, that is their right, although I could always do with less government owned land as well.

I hope I at least provided something for you to think about, although I may have played a little bit of a half-hearted devil's advocate.  Basically, I agree with your idea, but I think I can poke a few holes in the analogy.

Answer 4

Why should other people be forced to breathe you cigarette smoke?

And cigarette smoke _is_ more dangerous - particularly to people with respiratory conditions such as asthma.

Answer 5

Liberals are always looking for another BS cause to get behind because real issues take thought & intelligence.

Answer 6

I'm okay with it......I second hand smoke 2 packs a day...

Answer 7

not one recorded death from second hand smoke, another sky is falling liberal money maker