Smoking


Do you ever feel like you are smoking, even though you are not a smoker? Have you ever been seated in a restaurant next to the smoking section? A restaurant without a separate ventilated smoking area will expose you to all of the toxic chemicals in second hand smoke, to the detriment of your health, your clothes and hair.

Children exposed to cigarette smoke have an increased risk of asthma, bronchitis, allergies and ear infections, and may even suffer an acute asthma attack resulting in a trip to the emergency room.

Second hand smoke has been found to cause lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke in adults, and leads to over 60,000 deaths each year in the U.S.

Is a smoking policy infringing upon a smoker's rights? Tobacco is a legal substance and if an adult chooses to smoke that is not a problem. However, a smoker's right to smoke ends where the other person's nose begins. Everyone deserves to breathe clean air.

Legal action under the Americans with Disabilities Act triggered McDonalds and other fast-food restaurants to adopt a smoke-free policy in their national franchises.

Simply separating smokers and nonsmokers within the same area, such as a restaurant, may reduce exposure, but nonsmokers will still be exposed to re-circulated smoke or smoke drifting into nonsmoking areas.

The only way to protect nonsmokers and employees is to completely prohibit smoking indoors.

** Note **

Please remember that the information presented in this forum is for your education only, and is not intended to extend medical advice or diagnosis. If you have questions or feel that you may be experiencing symptoms similar to those presented, please call the Berkeley County Health Department at (304) 263-5131 or your primary care provider for formal medical attention.