The Smoking Menace
Dear Editor,
I write this letter to bring to your attention an emerging issue that is affecting many of us as students in university hostels and in the common lecture halls. It is so amazing to realize the increasing use of cigarette and bang in the hostels rooms and corridors, which is affecting non-smokers. Over the last 5 years, we have witnessed a rise in tobacco-related illnesses, including lung cancer among others in the university but it is unfortunate that students are not changing this filthy habit. Similarly, both the accommodation department and the university management seem to be very reluctant in combating the menace in fear of reaction from the smokers, which could result, to a strike or protest.
It is disgusting to see how students are becoming careless on such a sensitive issue, as smoking, considering how it adversely affects the health of fellow students. More often than not, non-smokers find it so hard to co-exist harmoniously with such careless smokers. I agree that a person has the sole choice of choosing whether to smoke or not. However, this choice also affects others, for instance through second hand smoke. Consequently, most students are helpless by being exposed to secondhand smoke. This is not giving justice in a society that embraces justice for the welfare of one another. Moreover, cigarette smoke is a significant contributor to indoor pollution, which should be abolished for the sake of our environment and the health of others. In spite of the arguments that support smoking, it should be understood that the negative effects of this habits are more than the perceived benefits. Accordingly, there is a need to institute firm regulatory frameworks in the university to keep the habit in check. Without this approach, we will continue to bear a heavy burden caused by reckless fellow students.
In my opinion, there is an urgent need for the university administration to come out strongly in fight against this hazard by formulating strict rules that prohibit smoking in the lecture halls, cinema halls, and other residential areas within the campus. This will help to save thousands from contracting fatal diseases associated with this habit such as breathing complications and asthma, which are currently on the increase. For instance, such measures will ensure that violators are seriously punished. Therefore, this would scare the smokers and help combat the habit. Likewise, this kind of smoking, which violates the welfare of others, should be criminalized. It is with greater concern that I take exception to those who see taxes from the tobacco industry as a plus to our economy. Not only this, others take the argument further by pointing out the lack of a conclusive study on the harmful effects of smoking. Moreover, there is an argument about one’s freedom of choice that is protected under the country’s constitution.
I do not agree with these sentiments for a number of reasons. First, smokers also have a right to enjoy a clean environment. No wonder, some of these smokers complain heavily about global warming that is caused by human activities. Secondly, large amounts of money are channeled to the treatment of tobacco-related illnesses annually. Indeed, the government spends more money in the treatment of these diseases than it gets from tobacco taxes. Furthermore, diseases related to smoking have reduced the life span of many people who were so resourceful to our nation.
As a responsible society, we need to cushion people against the health hazards of smoking. Smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer, asthma, sore throat among others. A sickly population consumes resources that could have been used for productive purposes in the economy. In addition, sick students are less productive and poor performers (Kabat at al 302). This is a big impediment to the social and economic transformation in any country. Accordingly, universities, colleges, and the government should take up a leading role in protecting their citizens through banning smoking in public places. Indeed, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has taken a leading role in advocating for a ban on smoking in public places (Boyle, at al 227). Similarly, Russia has taken this same position on this issue.
In conclusion, smoking should not be allowed in residential and public places. Banning smoking altogether is not an easy task because of several related issues besides infringement of individual rights. However, the economic benefits from the tobacco industry are less compared to costs of treating related illnesses. Therefore, smoking in public places should completely be banned.
Works Cited
Boyle, Peter, Gray, Nigel and Lenningfied, Jack. Tobacco: science, policy and public health. New York: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.
Kabat,C. George. Hyping Health Risks: environmental hazards in daily life and the science of Epidemiology. New York: Columbia University Press, 2011. Print.
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