With growing concerns about people’s health, public smoking has become the subject of controversy. While some argue that people should be allowed to smoke whenever they wish to smoke, as it is a matter of personal choice, I strongly disagree with this viewpoint. Not only does such an action leads to an increase in the number of smokers, but it also contributes to health-related issues. As such, I firmly assert that governments should impose strict regulations on smokers in common areas.
Those in favour of this choice believe that it is people’s legat right to smoke freely in shared spaces. They also contend that it is unreasonable for smokers to travel long distances in order to avoid exposing second-hand smoke to standbyers. Furthermore, they defend themselves arguing that smoking serves them as a meand of realising their stress. However, such a behaviour infringes upon the rights of other people, who neither choose to smoke or to be exposed to second-hand smoke.
What encourages me to advocate for restriction of smoking in public areas is that it serves as a negative example to minors. Young people are impressionable and therefore are likely to imitate such a behaviour of adults. Overtime, the more they consume the more reliant they become. Once addicted, they may find it quite difficult to resist this tendency to smoke and start constantly purchasing cigarettes. As a result, public smoking should be under strick policies to safeguard childrens’ development.
Beyond negatively affecting children, smokers can inflict health risks on people. Among health-related issues are cancer, respiratory issues, and early mortality. As many smokers increase carbon emmisions in the air by 5% percent, especially in cities, those who naturally have weak immune systems may struggle to breathe normally and may, in worse cases contract disease, namely cancer. Consequently, smokers harm the general public by violating non-smokers’ rights as well as affecting their wellbeing.
In conclusion, although it is a matter of personal choice whether to smoke in civic places, this choice presents considerable challenges to non-smokers, often related to negative impact on childrens’ development and health-issues. Accordingly, I strongly believe authorities should legislate rules preventing smoking in shared places.