Second-Hand Smoke

SocietyÆs attitudes toward smoking viewed it as a basically harmless method of relieving tension. However, when scientists discovered significant increases in cancer rates since the 1930s, the American Cancer Institute and other groups conducted studied comparing deaths of smokers and nonsmokers. Every study conducted ôfound increased mortality among smokers, both from cancers and other causesö (Encarta 2004, 1).

More recent studies have focused on a phenomenon known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), more commonly known as second-hand smoke. In 1993, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that exposure to ETS is responsible for 3,000 deaths annually from lung cancer and 35,000 deaths from other diseases among nonsmokers (Encarta 2004). Such evidence mandates policies to prevent nonsmokers from having their health negatively affected from second-hand smoke, policies that remain controversial in U.S. society.

The negative impact of second-hand smoke on nonsmokers demands policies to protect nonsmokers from those

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such ordinances, including bars, gaming establishments, restaurants with an alcohol license, tobacco retailers, and private hotel and motel rooms (Right 2003). Nevertheless, there are currently over 1,600 local ordinances in effect in the United States (Right 2003). According to a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society; ôsecond-hand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death in the nationö (Right 2003, 1). Despite this fact and the enormous costs smoking-relating illnesses cost society, many groups like tobacco lobbyists, smokersÆ rights advocacy groups, and others continue to fight against such ordinances that ban smoking in public places. Many establishments maintain separate smoking and nonsmoking areas. However, one anti-smoking advocate maintains such distinctions are worthless, ôThat is a joke, because the smoking section is right next to the nonsmoking section. We are all breathing the same smoke-filled airö (Effects 2002, 1). Smoke contains a variety of toxins that are detrimental to the health of nonsmokers, like tar, nicotine, carbon monoxide, and a compound known as NNK, a substance known to cause cancer in mice exposed to it in laboratory experiments (Cancer 1997). Adding to this problem for n
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Approximate Word count = 1375
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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