College is a time we all look forward to. It’s a time of weaning ourselves off our families and start gaining our independence. It’s the time when we start making both small and big decisions, immediate and life-long. Where to live? Where to get a job? Stay home and watch a movie, or go out and party? What should I major in? Do I want to start smoking?
According to a CNN report, the college-age demographic, 18 to 24, has the highest prevalence of smoking, and in contrast to other age groups, they’re increasing their tobacco use. Most of our decisions only affect us on a personal level. Unfortunately, smoking isn’t one of those. Unlike getting a tattoo or a piercing, which have no impact on others’ lives, people are actually bothered and endangered by smoking.
Cancer.gov reports that there are about 3,000 annual lung cancer deaths among the adult nonsmoking population due to exposure to secondhand smoke. An additional 46,000 annual deaths from heart disease are also thought to be caused by this sort of exposure.
In an effort to clear the air and reduce cigarette litter, more and more universities across the country are going smoke-free. The Washington Post reports that more than 460 schools have completely banned smoking on campus.
Smokers might feel such a ban takes away their rights, or that they’re being forced to stop smoking, but the issue at hand isn’t about choices. I am all for freedom of choice, and I accept that the decision to light up is yours and yours alone. But, your freedom ends where others’ freedom begins.
My respect for you dwindles when you don’t respect the fact that I don’t want to inhale carbon monoxide, ammonia, formaldehyde, cadmium and the 7,000 other chemicals present in cigarette smoke.
Just as smoking is your own decision, others choose not to smoke, and it’s not fair that you force your choice on them. Eastern Michigan University doesn’t have plans to go smoke-free, but smoke-free or not, please be mindful of others around you when you light up. Thank you!
Sources:
http://articles.cnn.com/2007-11-12/health/hm.smokefree.campus_1_smoke-free-college-smoking-indoors-cancer-society?_s=PM:HEALTH
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/are-college-campus-smoking-bans-draconian/2010/12/20/ABmrVuF_blog.html
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Tobacco/cessation
http://www.uri.edu/smokefree/facts.html
http://www.quitsmokingsupport.com/whatsinit.htm
