Smoking Ban

Although smoking is a proven killer, Americans waste hundreds 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.

High rates of lung cancer (indicated in this map b...

English: Advertisement for Camel cigarettes appear...

English: Camel cigarettes. Warning signs on Cigare...

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...