Harm to others

[Toffee]

I have a "hypersensitivity" to, among other things, tobacco smoke and over-exposure can put me off work for 3 days. (As a heavy smoker for many years until 20 years ago I still remember the pull of tobacco). Before we get into inevitable litigation by workers claiming being harmed by passive smoking, isn't it time to ban smoking at least in the working environment, but preferably everywhere but in the smoker's own home?

[Laura-sakura]

I can't understand when people get so upset about this. My argument is this. If we ban smoking outdoors, then why do we not ban people driving outside as well? Unfortunately for me I do not drive and so on the 35 minute walk to work every day I am forced to breath in car exhaust fumes. Far more pollution is caused and i'm sure this affects you more than cigarette smoke. Of course work places should ban cigarette smoking. It's just my stupid argument but you can't discriminate against smokers and drive a car.

[natalie_1982]

I agree with Laura, I work in Oxford and in the paper just last week it was reported that the pollution in Oxford City Centre is equal to smoking 75 fags a day. I'm a firm believer that the only thing worse that a smoker is an an ex smoker. I've never worked in an environment where smoking allowed anyhow, and I can't think of many that do anymore apart from bars, restaraunts, etc. Most offices and factories are generally no-smoking nowadays. Surely there are far more dangerous and important things that should/ could be banned than banning smoking everywhere 'but in the smoker's own home'.

[Oneeyedvic]

I stopped smoking in february of this year after smoking 30 a day for 14 years. I get really annoyed with other exsmokers. Yes I am sensitive about the smell and don't like it. I have made our house non smoking, but then when I was a smoker I would never smoke in the house of someone who was a nonsmoker anyway so I don't think I have double standards. I don't think smokers should be discriminated against. I go out to pubs / restaurants and can enjoy myself with other people around smoking. Also, what is classed as a working enviroment? - pubs, cars a park (someone works there)?

[secretspirit]

I'm with Toffee, I think smoking 's disgusting and as a non-smoker even walking miles behind someone who is smoking in the street you are breathing it in and so are any children who are nearby. Just because a lot of people do it doesn't mean it's not harmful. I especially hate to see a pregnant barmaid working in a really smoky atmosphere and I know some would say a woman in that situation should get a new job but have you ever tried getting a job when you're pregnant?!

[jakesi]

You know what really gets on my nerves is people smoking at the entrance to a hospital. Beyond belielf.

[zgma]

I definitely think smoking should be banned INDOORS unless it's a private home. Also within 10 feet or so from the entrance to a building. Banning it outdoors is a little too restrictive, in my opinion, as usually you can get away from the smoke if you're sensitive to it. I live in California, where smoking is banned in all workplaces including bars and restaurants (except the outside areas of bars). I am really grateful for that fact when I'm out at a restaurant - the smell of smoke just kills my appetite and my sense of taste. When I visit other states and see people smoking in restaurants, I just can't tolerate it anymore. Same with bars... my husband is a musician, and going to see him play (and for him, playing a gig) used to be terrible because I'd have to breathe the smoke, and then my hair and clothes would reek of it - yuck!! Now it's much better.

[Toffee]

I get upset about it because I don't like spending three days off work ill as a result of exposure to other people's smoke. For years after giving up smoking other people's smoke had no effect on me. About five years ago it started to affect me. For those who compare it to exhaust particulates, they might find it interesting, if frightening to visit www2.netdoctor.co.uk/news/index. asp?id=114154&D=24&M=8&Y=2004 Also, most smokers use filter cigarettes and so filter out some of the nasties. We passive smokers have to inhale either the unfiltered smoke rising from the end of cigarettes or smoke that has been exhaled from smokers' lungs. Forgive me, I never rate answers -- I appreciate them all. Thanks.

[FP]

In total agreement with you Toffee