Every adult has the right to choose whether they smoke or not. In spite of all the medical evidence, cigarette smoking is not yet illegal. However, we do not have the right to expose our children to the harmful effects of passive cigarette smoking.
In some places, it is illegal to smoke in a car with children present, due to the dangers of passive cigarette smoke. This is protecting the basic rights of children to live in a safe environment. With all the medical evidence it is obvious cigarette smoking, whether direct or indirect, is harmful to everyone that is exposed.
Many cigarette smokers are in denial where the dangers of cigarette smoking are concerned so they cannot be expected to realise the dangers. Many are caring parents who would not otherwise expose their children to the threat of lung disease and cancer.
The environment is so polluted in some areas that children already show signs of breathing difficulties and some even have the early stages of emphysema evident. Exposure to cigarette smoke can only increase the damage to their lungs.
Children who suffer from asthmas or bronchitis are especially at risk from passive cigarette smoke. The smoke can trigger an asthma attack or aggravate bronchitis. The child should not be made to suffer the consequences of a selfish adult.
Many cancers are caused by cigarette smoke. It has been proven both by doctors and in the courts. The reason the law says you cannot smoke in confined public places is the lawsuits won by people who have cancer because of exposure to passive cigarette smoke. Do you need any more proof of the danger you are putting your children in by smoking around them? For their sake, please butt out.
