It's Time to Ban Smoking in America

It's Time to Ban Smoking in America

Although smoking is a proven killer, Americans waste Billions of dollars

each year on tobacco products. Other drugs that are harmful, such as crack or

marijuana, are illegal in the United States. However, the use of cigarettes,

which kills millions worldwide annually, is perfectly legal. If certain harmful

substances are illegal, then cigarettes should not be permitted either.

Smoking has several harmful effects on the body. Cigarettes cause

eighty-five percent of lung cancer and are responsible for thirty percent of all

deaths resulting from cancer. (Bartecchi, 49) People who have smoked for a

significant period of time will have noticeable problems breathing and will most

likely be in poor health. One out of four deaths of people thirty-five to sixty-

four years old result from smoking. On the average, every cigarette takes five

and a half minutes of life away from a smoker. (Bartecchi, 46) Although

restrictions have been placed on the use of cigarettes in public areas such as

restaurants and airplanes, the US has yet to place a ban on smoking. The

government frequently inspects items sold to the American public. Commercial

products that may be dangerous such as food, cars, and toys have been recalled

in order for alterations. In the August 1995 issue of consumer reports, twenty-

four products were recalled because of possible dangers to the consumer. These

products included a car that may lose a wheel while in motion, a hair dryer that

poses a fire hazard, and cookies that can cause an allergic reaction. (Consumer

Reports, 500) Yet, the sale of cigarettes, known to be unsafe, has never been

prohibited by the government. Why are cigarettes any different from other

products sold in the US.

Cigarettes are not only harmful to users, but are also damaging to all

people in the vicinity of a smoker. Second hand smoke from cigarettes is just as

damaging as smoke inhaled by users. Each year, 53,000 people die from the

effects of second hand smoke. A person living with a spouse who smokes has a

thirty percent higher chance of getting lung cancer. (Bartecchi, 49) Parents who

smoke force their children to breathe the fumes every day. Seventeen percent of

lung cancer is attributed to people who grew up with parents who were smokers.

Children of smokers have a lower birth rate and are often less intelligent.

(Bartecchi, 49) People who have chosen to smoke have accepted the unhealthy risk

of the drug. However, nonsmokers have not opted for the hazards involved with

smoking and therefore should not be introduced to these hazards.