Banning Smoking In Public Places
... my family, we try to stay as far away as possible. After a while I get sick from the smell of smoke, I and feel it is unfair that the non-smokers have to suffer from something they are not doing. Restaurants try to set apart a smoking section, but half of the time it’s just a part of the same room as the non-smoking section. If a ban is not put into effect then restaurants need to make special closed rooms to be suit the non-smokers. Types of Smoke When a cigarette or a cigar is burned, there are two different types of smoke. Each type affects the smokers and the non-smokers. The first type is mainstream tobacco smoke. It is the smoke that the person inhales directly from the cigarette or cigar. The second form of smoke is environmental tobacco smoke. This is the smoke that the non-smokers breathe in from the end of the cigarette or cigar (Terjesen). Benefits to the Employers The first benefit that will come out of banning smoking in public places is for the employers. Some potential health benefits for the employers are a reduced risk of sickness and absents. Also, there is a reduced risk of premature death or early retirement. Next, employers might experience some financial benefits. If smoking was banned it would greatly reduce cleaning costs. After a certain period of time, smoking begins to discolor the walls and ceilings. Cigarette butts get on the floor, so banning smoking would solve these problems. No smoking reduces the risk of fires and has a potential deduction in insurance premiums (Martin). For the Employers, their companies will benefit greatly. There will be an increase in productivity (no hidden smoke breaks). In addition, there will be a general improvement in the morale of the workers and their peers. Finally, it will enhance the corporate image to be known as a clean and smoke-free environment. Benefits for Employees The second major benefit that will come out of banning smoking in public places is that it will greatly benefit the employees. It will help to improve the health of smokers and non-smokers. First, for the non-smokers, it will reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and decrease the chances of later health risks. For the smokers, it could create a supportive environment for those trying to quit. If the smokers begin to quit, there will be a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems. Banning smoking in public places will create an improved well being. This will promote a much healthier, cleaner work environment. Benefits of a Smoke-Free Workplace This important public health measure is about allowing people to work and socialize in a clean and healthy smoke-free environment. Over the last twenty years, there has been growing scientific evidence, internationally, that secondhand smoke is harmful to health. The World Health Organization International Agency for Cancer Research has declared that secondhand smoke is a known human carcinogen, or a cancer-causing agent. In Ireland, a report commissioned by the Health and Safety Authority and the Office of Tobacco Control explained the health effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the workplac...