Total smoking ban absurd

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I am a smoker and I fully support the idea that smoking should be banned in buildings and enclosed areas that are to be frequented by the public.

I was born and raised in Victoria BC Canada, where we have a similar legislation. But, to say that banning smoking in all covered areas is a good idea to protect the health of the population is ridiculous.

If the issue is purely about cigarette smoke, then the purists that introduced this legislation should stop using the health issue as a cover. The issue is not cigarette smoke, the issue is air quality.

Any area where the air quality is not compromised by my cigarette smoke should not be included in this ban.

Covered patios, for instance, are areas where smoking should be allowed because the air quality does not suffer as a result of cigarette smoke. An individual’s health is not compromised because they do not like the smell of my cigarette. If that were the case, it would be better for you to ban all combustion engines to protect the health of the population.

I find dirty, unventilated wash rooms repulsive, but my health is not compromised by the smell. People that do not bath or, conversely, wear too much perfume are repulsive, but I do not hear anyone proposing legislation on hygiene issues.

Moreover, if health is truly the issue, then this all or nothing ban will further compromise the health of smokers who are forced to smoke out in the rain, on the roads, or standing in the ocean.

Do we now ban people with colds from entering public areas? Shall we implement a zero tolerance policy on drinking and driving? How about running with scissors or carrying umbrellas (I almost had an eye poked out once)?

Do my arguments sound silly? So does the idea that all exposure to cigarette smoke compromises ones health. Might I remind the readers of this letter that at one time we burned wood in fire places to heat enclosed areas, but the human race did survive. If you are truly that susceptible to cancer and lung disease, then perhaps you may need to take some more drastic measures to protect your own health and quit blaming others.

Russell Haley