Reasons why Public Smoking should be outlawed
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Reasons why Public Smoking should be outlawed
Introduction
Smoking in public should be banned because of its many undesirable effects. An exposition of the reasons and their justification is provided as follows.
Thesis Statement
1. The first reason why smoking in public needs to be banned is due to the negative effects that smoke has on both the smoker and the non-smokers. Research shows that people who smoke are at a higher risk of getting lung cancer. Smokers also are at a higher risk of suffering from other cancers such as cancer of the bladder, pancreas, larynx, mouth, and esophagus. In addition, smoking increases one’s risk of diseases of the pulmonary system such as emphysema and bronchitis, heart diseases, atherosclerosis, and stroke. It has also been demonstrated that cigarette smokers have a higher risk of premature death than non-smokers do. Not only does smoke place the smokers at a higher risk of getting these diseases but it also affects non-smokers who inhale the smoke. According to research, passive smokers or people who are exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher risk of suffering from the diseases mentioned above (CDC, 2014). This proves that public smoking is not only a danger to the smokers but also endangers the lives of the non-smoking public. By endangering the lives of non-smokers, public smoking infringes on their constitutional right to long life and health. As such, public smoking should be banned.
2. Secondly, public smoking should be banned because of its addictive nature. Smoking causes the smokers to become addicted and secondhand smoke inhaled for prolonged periods may have a similar effect. Addiction is in turn associated with negative health, economic, and social effects (CDC, 2014).
3. Thirdly, smoking in public should be banned because it influences teenagers and other underage groups negatively. Public smoking, like smoking advertisements, glorifies smokers and subliminally helps to recruit non-smokers into the smoking brigade thereby exposing them to adverse health effects (Borland & Randolph, 1975).
4. Finally, smoking has been associated with many antisocial behaviors. For instance, it has been shown that smokers are generally antisocial, crude, immoral, careless, impulsive, and maladjusted (Smith 1969).
Conclusion
In conclusion, smoking in public should be banned because it causes negative health effects on both smokers and non-smokers, is addictive, attracts underage groups into smoking, and enhances anti-social behavior.
References