Dear Editor,

Back in the forties, smoking cigarettes was cool and sexy. Cigarettes were
promoted by sportsmen, advertised on television and billboards, and widely distributed to
soldiers during World War II. We groomed an entire generation of smokers. Since then,
advances in science and research have proven that smoking can kill both smokers and
those who inhale the secondhand smoke as well. Despite this evidence, and many
attempts to curb the risk, people are still dying.
According to the American Cancer Society, secondhand smoke is a mixture of
mainstream and sidestream smoke. Mainstream smoke is the smoke inhaled by the
smoker. Sidestream smoke comes from the lighted end of a cigarette. It has higher
concentrations of carcinogens and is more toxic than mainstream smoke. Consequently,
exposure to second-hand smoke is dangerous.
The American Lung Association claims that over 41,000 people in the U.S. die
from secondhand smoke exposure each year. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and
people with heart or breathing problems like asthma or COPD are especially at risk, but
nobody is immune. Secondhand smoke contains dangerous chemicals and it can increase
the risk of heart attack and stroke in non-smokers.
Secondhand smoke is also linked to many health problems in children.
Secondhand smoke has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome. Children who
breathe secondhand smoke are also more likely to have lung problems, ear infections and
increased risk of asthma. Sadly, children are most affected by secondhand smoke but
least able to avoid it. Most of their exposure comes from adults, like their parents,
smoking at home. Indoor smoking should be avoided, especially in homes and cars,
where children are at particularly risk.
Risk of secondhand smoke exposure is high in public places where smoking is
still currently allowed like some restaurants, shopping centers, public transportation,
parks, and schools. The creation of "no smoking" sections does not work. Ventilation or
filtering the air does not protect people either.
We know how to solve illnesses and death caused by secondhand smoke. It is
now time to act. We need to support all smoke-free initiatives. The health of our
communities and loved ones depend on it. But we don’t have to wait for the government
to act. If you’re a smoker, start by making your home and car smoke-free. This will
create a better environment for your children, other family members, pets and guests. It
might save your life as well. We all deserve the chance to live healthy lives and fresh,
clean air would be a great start!

Sincerely,

Danielle Pelini