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Wednesday evening, Indiana business owners and citizens came together in a hotly contested debate about whether to make a comprehensive smoking ban in Indiana workplaces.
While those who were against the ban argued to protect against an economic toll the ban could have, the citizens who were for the ban took a slightly more personal approach in the debate, bringing up Indiana citizens who are sick or have recently died because of smoke or secondhand smoke.
Instead of arguing for smokers' rights, the people argued about secondhand smoke and wore t-shirts that read, "No one should have to choose between their job or their health."
Currently, 24 states have comprehensive smoke-free laws. As of January 2008, Illinois has statewide smoking bans. Iowa followed suit six months later with similar laws. (smokefreeworld.com)
There are currently 50 known chemicals in secondhand smoke that cause cancer, according to government findings. The same sources says there is no safe level of secondhand smoke.
Is this enough reason to ban smoking alltogether in Indiana?
Be sure to check back soon for an update on the progress of the Smoke Free Butler campaign.
Personally, I would love to see Indiana be smoke free. If someone wants to smoke, I don’t care, but they don’t need to us my air. I’ve never smoked, but because of secondhand smoke, I’m still at a huge risk for lung cancer. These are public places and I shouldn’t have to breathe contaminated air.
I don't see why smoking should be banned. Smokers have every right to do so where they went to. Smokers are citizens just like Non-smokers. Second-hand smoke may be bad, but it's not as bad as actually smoking.
Smokefree is the way to be! Not only is secondhand smoke bad for you, new research shows even 'third-hand' smoke is bad for you. Toxins can still be picked up from smokey-smelling clothes, books, etc.
Nice website Hayleigh!
I work in Illinois, where there are strict smoking bans from public establishments. The smoking ban has detracted business from the restaurant I work at. I'm not for smoking and believe in the risks of secondhand smoke, but if you're that concerned with it, just stay out of the smoking areas!