While smokers might have to leave their smoking to when they’re at home, the proposed smoking ban would be a good step toward making Orange County a healthier place to live.
It is well-established that smoking is harmful to the health of those who smoke. But they aren’t the only ones affected.
According to a 2006 Surgeon General’s report, people exposed to secondhand smoke at work or home also increase their risk of lung cancer or heart disease by up to 30 percent. Secondhand smoke also causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, respiratory problems and asthma attacks in children and infants, according to the report.
This law is not intended to impose protection on smokers, although it would inevitably help with that. Instead, the law seeks to protect those around the smokers.
Residents opposed to this law say it violates the freedom of smokers. But people who smoke in public needlessly harm their neighbors, including children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems.
Since conclusive medical evidence indicates secondhand smoke is a public health risk, Orange County officials should take the steps necessary to eliminate it.
It is reasonable to be concerned about the ability of officials to enforce this law. However, it is worth noting the public has generally complied with the statewide ban on smoking in restaurants.
The proposed law has the potential to be selectively enforced against homeless people, who are disproportionately likely to smoke. Policymakers should take steps to prevent this.
Despite these issues, the smoking ban is a good move. It respects the freedom of smokers to enjoy a cigarette in private while doing more to protect the right everyone has to a safer environment, cleaner air and a healthier life.
