The Responsibility Project^®. Exploring what it means to do the right thing

Should Smoking at Home Be Illegal?

600 Comments

March 20, 2009 by Kathy McManus

Two new legal commandments have been delivered to the Silicon Valley town of Belmont, California: 

Thou shalt not smoke in thy apartment
Thou shalt inform authorities of anyone who does smoke in an apartment

Belmont is home to America’s most restrictive secondhand smoking law, which now makes it illegal to light up in an apartment or condo that shares a wall, ceiling, or floor with another unit. Violators face a $100 fine from the city, as well as eviction if smoking violates their lease agreement. 

Additionally, the new law makes citizens responsible for enforcing it by encouraging them to call authorities and report their neighbors if they light up in any home other than a free-standing house. 

All of which has left some residents fuming--outside. 

“I’m absolutely outraged,” said one apartment dweller who now must leave home to smoke her two packs a day. “They’re telling you how to live and what to do, and they’re doing it right here in America.” 

Proponents of the new law, including the California Lung Association, see it differently. “They simply said that secondhand smoke is no less dangerous when it’s in your bedroom than in your workplace,” explained a spokesperson. 

“They” is the Belmont city council, whose members have received hate mail for passing the no-smoking-at-home ordinance, which one former council member likens to other matters of shared-living etiquette. “You can’t walk around naked in your house with the blinds open, or you’ll get arrested,” he said. “You can’t play loud music in your house and bother your neighbors. It’s illegal.” 

But even some supporters of smokers’ responsibility to so-called third parties, such as neighbors, are questioning whether Belmont should butt out. “There are good scientific and public health reasons for restricting smoking in closed public spaces,” said an expert in public health ethics. “But when such restrictions are extended to beaches, parks, sidewalks and now to the homes of smokers, the argument that third-party harms must be prevented becomes increasingly untenable.” 

Tell us what you think: Should smokers be responsible for their neighbors’ health? Should citizens be responsible for turning in at-home smokers? How far should government go in determining what you can do in the privacy of your home?

600 Comments

What do you think? Leave a comment

• March 23, 2009 by Vix

  Next??? Telling people what they can and can not read? Burning books? Oh, I know how about telling people where they have to live? Sounds a bit like history repeating it's self to me...

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  • April 15, 2009 by MK

    Brenda, you said, "as long as it does not hurt anyone else". That's exactly the problem. I have a situation almost exactly like Sally's. It is hurting us. We have to put up with stinky apartments that we pay for and should be able to live in smoke-free. It's not my problem that someone chose to indulge in a drug that spreads all over the place. Your right to swing your arm stops where my nose begins and same with your smoke.

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    • April 16, 2009 by Smoking in Belmont

      Putting up with stinky smoke is not life threatening, it's just bothersome, don't you think? Live next to people cooking with curry all day. People living in apartments put up with communal living. We tolerate lots of noises, quirks, odors, other people's messes, looks, junk on their patios, kids screaming, dogs barking, people partying, etc. In other words "LIFE". Smokers pay for their apartments too. In addition, we pay taxes that pay for a lot of stuff you probably benefit from. As one poster said, should the cigarette taxes only pay for smoker's kids? I may be offended by the way you look or how much you weigh or how much you drink or the fact that your hygiene leaves a lot to be desired. That could be offensive to me. Should you be asked to move if I complain about your personal choices before you complain about mine? What about your obesity tax proposal in New York? I heard that since the Governor will be up for election he has put that on hold. Yet, he originally intended to tax regular sodas. Diet sodas would not be taxed. And who would benefit from the obesity tax money? Do you really think that all of this "tax money" is going to go to our kids?? Didn't some guy in LA say "Can't we all just get along". Live and Let Live. Judge not that ye be judged. Don't play God. Let He Who is without sin cast the first stone. I guess that means you're perfect, eh? What's the song? 1,2,3 what are we fighting for? Whoopee, we're all gonna die! Get over it! If you don't like it move, just as I would. Right now, I'm choosing to smoke in Belmont within the perimeters of the law. However, people, the truth is not many people are obeying the ordinance.

    • August 3, 2010 by steve mccoy

      yes, my comment is that to many people worry to much about what other people are doing. thats why we are almost a comunist country now. we are lawed- to- death now. every big business and snot-nosed group have more say-so than the hard working tax payers. what would the gov. and states do if all us workers stopped paying taxes because we have no rights anymore? what is it with these people who claim they want a free country but don't want anyone else to do something they don't want to do? this supposed to be a free country and i have earned my rights to have freedoms. if i want to smoke than i will smoke , if you don't like it than go your own way but leave me alone. i spent my time in the military and have worked and payed taxes all my life . so i have earned the RIGHT TO BE FREE. what about the rest of you??? sorry but these things pee me off.

    • August 25, 2010 by spud

      ...I think both of these rights (swinging and smoking) are due extensions when somone is sticking their nose where it does not belong.

  • January 17, 2010 by Donald Mason

    Smoking must have clouded your rational thinking....telling you what to read...burning books? What has that to do with smokers endangering others health? I could care less what you read or think...but I do care when your addiction impacts my health and well being. I don't expect you or most of your ilk to agree with me as you are the same people who will enganger the health of their own young children by smoking even in a car with them! It would be refreshing just once to hear a smoker just admit the truth...that they are addicted to a foul cancer causing drug that not only endangers their health but their own loved ones as well as many innocent others who are also put at risk through their weakness and disregard for others wellbeing. It is a really inexcusable and selfish act to do.

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    • January 18, 2010 by Rick Starwindwalker

      On page 21, Keith Lewis responded to my post by admitting he was a "sorry, weak-willed addict". Unfortunately, he went on to justify himself by saying he's only hurting himself and then accusing me of being afraid of all kinds of absurd things. It would be refreshing to hear an admission from smokers on the level you suggest; however, I am finding the effect of abulia I mentioned previously makes a great majority of these people unreachable. It doesn't seem to matter how many facts from exhaustive studies from both government and private sectors they read, or pictures of blackened lungs and huge tumors they see, or news reports of homes and families being burned out from smokers' carelessness, or hearing accounts like mine, of my 40 year-old ex-wife losing both her breasts, and then getting lung and brain tumors, losing her beauty, and then dying in horrible pain and suffering from the chemo that was supposed to stop the spread of cancer. It is easy to blame people for their selfish acts; yet the blame really belongs squarely on the Tobacco Giants and their long-standing production and advertising tactics. Regardless, the responsibility lies with the smokers' ability to make positive choices for themselves and those around them, as well as the tobacco companies, insurance companies [like Liberty Mutual] and municipal governments, among others, to change policies and come in line with respect for human life.

    • June 24, 2010 by JSY1221

      Oh please, I live in a condo, the gentleman that lives next to me is a smoker and the only reason that I know this was because I knocked on his door to ask him if he had any water damage from storms. When he opened the door I then could smell the cigarettes...I had no clue for 2 years that this man even smoked. My son's room shares a common wall, my son has asthma, not one attack in the 2 years we've been living there and my son can always smell cigarettes...he also had no clue. What is wrong with this world that we are going to tell people what they can and can't do in their home. Cigarettes are not an illegal substance, if someone wants to smoke in the privacy of their condo or apartment (and I've been apartment and condo living for 11 years and have yet to be affected by anyone's smoking habits), they should be able to do so, they pay rent, just as I do and they have rights. I don't want the state or government dictating my life in my home, it won't stop at cigarette smoking and before you know it we no longer will be a free country, What is wrong with everyone that no one sees how this violates our rights whether or not you are a smoker, this is just the beginning...welcome to communism.

    • July 2, 2010 by Ty

      Car, bus, lawnmower, snow blower, gas edger and truck exhaust are as or more dangerous. Unless you start walking, biking, only buying locally produced goods, mow and shovel manually, STFU

    • July 7, 2010 by Sharon

      I don't think you were very nice. You don't get it. By our governments dictating what we can do in our own homes, cigarette smoking is only the beginning. Let me ask you something -- are you perfect with no bad habits? I have worked all of my life and have always been healthy, yet my taxes go up and so does my insurance when I have to help pay for people who have bad health issues because of their eating, drinking and lazy lifestyles. I have also known health nuts who died at relatively young ages, regardless of how hard they tried not to get sick. Just because medical technology is able to keep people alive who in the past would have died doesn't give you a guarantee to a long life. I also think too many people make themselves sick and die just from "worrying" about such matters. You might try taking some nutrition, health and biology classes if you don't believe me. Your genetics have a lot to do with your health and lifespan, and that can't be blamed on the world in general (or your neighbors).

  • January 26, 2010 by Jeanette Nagy

    If this law passes .. I will go to jail because, noone is going to stop me from smoking in my own home. Are people going to have to live in fear in their own homes? This is America and she is in trouble. I think it is because we have taken our freedoms for granted and as far as myself I allways think "oh no .. that won't happen" boy was I wrong .. and as long as the people take the time and effort to make obscene laws like this and their is noone stopping them they will get away with it and have so far. And also I wonder about these organizations for instance global warming "really not proven yet" but how much money do they get? government grants? Is there money to be made in these kind of campaignes?

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    • June 9, 2010 by Valerie

      I agree so much with you....especially the Global Warming crapola! Have you seen Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura? Makes you really think about things. I live on the Gulf Coast and until about 10 years ago never heard the term "El Nino or El Nina" for causing bad weather! Now, if the government can't even control illegal immigration, how are they going to police anyones smoking habits? And congrats to California, Arnold and Boxer is on their way OUT!

    • July 31, 2010 by Joan H. Bush

      I do NOT believe government should be allowed to dictate what I can or cannot do in my own home as long as the action itself is not illegal(such as growing pot in my kitchen). I smoked for 67 years and did so outsside my apartment for about 8 of those years. My health has dictated my quitting (which I have done and switched to electronic cigarettes) but I do not believe I (OR ANYONE ELSE) has the right to tell you what you can/cannot do in your own home. The only restriction I have seen that makes sense is the LANDLORD WHO WILL NOT RENT TO A SMOKER. His property, his rules.

  • April 9, 2010 by Reg Mann

    America is no longer the land of the free, nor the home of the Brave who would stand up to such invasive restrictions on our freedom. While second hand smoke may be dangerous to others, even if science still seems to have yet proven that even to it's self, there should be provisions in this bill to allow smokers some freedom. I found mine!! I started smoking electronic cigarettes so no second hand smoke for them to whine about. And no taxes either! HA HA I say to the government now. You can have my ecig when you pry it from my cold dead fingers. I learned about them at the Electronic Cigarette Spot and they really are the best thing since sliced bread!

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  • June 21, 2010 by Fisherking

    This is not about health or smoky apartments...it is hysterics and It is my sincerest hope that every smoke nazi gets cancer and dies anyway...the world will be a better place without 'em.

    -FK

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    • July 7, 2010 by Sharon

      I agree. Some people have nothing better to do with their time than try to infringe on others' freedom. Maybe they should try to find a new hobby that will broaden their intellectual horizons. That might give them something better to think about. Remember that old saying -- "misery loves company". Well, I believe that miserable people want everyone else to be miserable. It's actually a form of mental illness and they should go and see a psychiatrist. I'm tired of the mentally ill getting attention because they behave so badly are more noticed than those of us who mind our own business and have better things to do with our time than stick our nose in others' lives. It's their way of diverting attention away from the important issues at hand. As a Native American, I say anyone who doesn't like it here can go back to where they came from. Native Americans have always used tobacco and it didn't seem to bother anyone back then when they took everything away from us by force. I, too, will keep smoking and blow my smoke in anyone's face who is rude enough to make a comment about it. Why are non-smokers always placing themselves in places where smokers go and then complain? Like they're the only ones who matter. You're right. The world might be better off without them because they're weak.

    • July 23, 2010 by Karin Stokoe

      People need to realize a couple of things. Smoking is not good for you. I think that fact has been established. For the sake of my loved ones I have started on electronic cigarettes. They are great. However, when a governmental organization steps in with the words , "We are doing this for the people's health and welfare.", look out! You are just about to be screwed. They always start out that it is what is best for us. They just don't mention that the next step they take is going to be to take more of our freedoms from us. Wake up people. It starts in one town. What happens here may determine a lot of our future!

  • July 16, 2010 by June

    wow that really sucks......this smoking ban has gone way too far.......my father smoked heavy for 60 yrs....and my mother did NOT get any second hand smoke that sickened her.....this is ridciulous.....geez, remind never to come to california!!!!

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  • July 21, 2010 by Richard Bentley

    I live in apartment and this man smokes on and on next to my door and there is not a thing I can do my word is why can places let where you eat not to smoke and that are not to be smoking but in apartments they are not seen the same there is more then one person in it. if its not the same what you say is you do not care if someone is making someone die or become sick and then with out that law you make your medicare cost go up for you have then more become sick because of it why is that

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  • August 10, 2010 by David Prescott

    Preposterous. Show us the evidence, scientific evidence that secondhand smoke can penetrate wood, steel, concrete, flooring, tiling, plaster, etc. and all of that after going through the air-filter in ones central air? It's even more ridiculous because someone made the argument that it is illegal to walk around in your home with the blinds open. Yet I don't hear anyone telling everyone to watch outside their neighbors windows and make sure they don't see any nudity! Imagine if they did! Oh, and will they be allowed to ban all the fat people too next? Will it be illegal to feed your children McDonald's soon? Will you have to check in with a dietician? How are they going to enforce this? Witch hunts? Will a mere report, circumstantial and second-hand information from a neighbor be enough to get you evicted? How is that fair? Can they ban ignorant people from apartments as well please? This is all to raise money and cover people's asses. I guess times are tough huh? Prohibition all over again. If you won't ban carbon-burning automobiles, which arguably do more damage to everyone's health, why smoking for tenuous reasons? Hypocritical at best, 1933 Germany at worst.

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  • August 12, 2010 by Dj

    It sounds like we are headed for socialism and will have no rights. This country was founded on freedom and freedom of speech. Obama isn't sticking to his word just like the other Presidents.

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  • August 18, 2010 by linda

    what are the laws in colorado i dont mind if a person smokes but if that person keeps her or his self locked up in there apartment allday then decides to open their door to let all that smoke or cigar smell out that is what is sickining

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• March 24, 2009 by Serenity

  I'm not happy about it but I am a smoker..I think about it these days as a substitute for other distractions..addictions..that would be worse..Smoking in an apartment building such as a condo would be offensive, and could be a risk to elderly people's health. For that reason if I rented, I wouldn't choose to live in that sort of setting unless I planned only to smoke outside or quit. I live in a duplex with an exsmoker and a child of 15. He shouldn't be exposed to secondhand smoke either..and I know it is not a good role model behavior..responsibility ..isn't always 100%, that child's room has always been a bigger hazard to his health than my smoke could ever be in my opinion..and perhaps I harbor some resentment..also, he sleeps with his window open..he likes it cold..He wears no coat? I don't know..he's 15..who understands? I am wrong..but he not showing signs of any health problems. My parents smoked. I'm middle aged..I breath, and they both smoked about 3 packs a day. I think perhaps our data is a little bias. also. In regards to the American Cancer Society warnings, and I think I can understand why. But, if smoking is killing people, my question is? Why are we selling so many cigarettes? This country needs to support it's people..just stop selling them..people will stop dying..stop smoking..no issue. I think the reason is ..not enough money to support the people that DO DIE? Who cares? They are old..or dead..

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  • April 10, 2009 by rock

    Many people who smoke are tired of hearing people tell them they should stop... and I agree you should stop... but my point is that they disagree so they try to rationalize it to themselves and to others, often by saying it is a substitute for other, more harmful addictions. This is irrational. No addiction to a harmful substance is any better than another addiction. They all kill you, just in different spans of time. That's right, I said kill you. Whether it takes 4 weeks or 4 decades, death is imminent. I suppose I can't expect anything but an irrational explanation from someone who makes an irrational conscious decision to start/keep smoking when they know the risks and eventual effects. The government is probably crossing the line here, stepping in to such a personal level, but I agree with them. It becomes an issue of the government helping people where they apparently cannot help themselves. If everyone would just stop smoking because it is terrible and disgusting and unhealthy and suicidal as well as homicidal, then they would have no reason to step in and fix this mess. However, people won't quit, so to protect everyone, the government needs to step in. It is not about socialism or communism. They are not looking to step in and control everything. They want people to be healthy, and since we as a whole won't take control of that, they take it into their own hands. They don't want to tell us where to work, live, play, eat, etc., they want to help. People are inherently good, however somewhere along the way, smokers fall off the path, and the gov. is here to correct that.

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    • December 31, 2009 by Amy

      You posted "It becomes an issue of the government helping people where they apparently cannot help themselves." OMG woman, do you have any idea how many men, women and children go to bed every night right here in the good ole' USA HUNGRY? ANd what's government doing to "help" them? NOT A DAMN THING!!!! On the scale of what governement needs to fix and doesn't need to fix, smoking is way down on the bottom of that list! How bout finding homes for all those without them. I'm sure some would even be happy to live in this crazy CA town with no smoking allowed in an apt or condo, just to have a home!!!!! Smoking is nothing when compared to issuse which REALLY matter!!

  • May 22, 2009 by Eric Henry

    FYI. Second Hand Smoke is not a myth. No smoker is "healthy as a horse", but I do agree government intervention does go a bit overboard sometimes.

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  • June 16, 2009 by JR

    Have you ever asked this 15 year old if he appreciates your smoking around him and exposing him to your fumes, Serenity? I know that everyone is upset over these things but usually you can't "see" signs that your smoke is harming others. It affects the body inside and sometimes it's over periods of time. The affects to his body now may not show until later. And if you do this on a constant basis you are destroying his health. It must be so terrible for you to have to go outside or sit in your car to smoke but the long-term affects that you are leaving on another human being (and if you smoke in other areas than home, several human beings on a daily basis) and this is unfair to those of us who do not smoke and try to stay very healthy. Some of us have terrible allergies to smoke and what can we do about it? When there are people smoking in doorways we have to cover our faces and hold our breath and practically run through the doorway to avoid you and your cloud of toxins. The reason the government is doing this is because smoking is a serious health hazard but the reason they are meeting such resistance is because so many smokers are fighting for their right to kill themselves and others. And you ARE killing others. Eventually smoking will become an illegal substance just like harmful drugs and it should be. Just because there are so many people out there who want to smoke and don't care about other people's health and well-being means that it will probably be decades before the proper measures are taken to protect the rights of the NON-smokers.

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  • June 9, 2010 by Valerie

    Serenity, you are so funny! But so right! They will not stop selling cigarettes because of the high taxes on them, and the government can't control their spending, so keep selling them! This law is as stupid as the one that made McDonalds take the toy out of the happy meal! Kids are still going to eat the freaking happy meal, toy or not! Back in prohibition days, alcohol was illegal and it didn't stop anyone that wanted to drink from drinking! If they were to outlaw anything, it should be alcohol. It sure kills alot more people a year than cigarettes! And it also kills alot more innocent people than cigarettes!

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• March 26, 2009 by sue

  I think that it is getting to be so ridiculous what the government is sticking their nose in. if i own a condo i should be able to do whatever I want to do in it. The smoke cannot go through the walls. Plus second hand smoke is just a myth. They have not really proofed that there really is that problem. what rights are they going to take away next. Believe me, they will. And if everyone quit smoking, who would pay all those ridicules taxes they have imposed. Put more on drinking, that harms more people then smoking. The government needs to stay out of people's private lives.

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  • March 27, 2009 by fred

    Uuhhh, first off get your facts straight. Secondhand smoke is real. Secondly the taxes put on cigarettes is a deterrent to stop people from smoking as much. They have also made alcohol illegal. In the past it was called the 18th Amendment but because the mob bosses like AL Capone were getting rich off of smuggling alcohol and an increasing demand within the populace it was nullified by the 21st Amendment.

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    • March 30, 2009 by Ken

      Umm, Fred, what facts would these be? Read a few statistics, there is no evidence whatsoever that a lesser smoking population lives longer. The US has gone from being a nation where almost 70% of the population smoked (which it was for half a century BTW) to barely 20% smoke, in that same time frame the percentage of the population that dies annually from every single disease that is associated with smoking or secondhand smoke has increased as the rate of smokers has decreased. There isn't a single smoker that will try and convince you that smoking is good for you, but quite ironically there is no sociological statistics to prove the opposite. To further the paradox the civilized nations of the world with the highest instances of smoking are the nations with the longest life expectancies. Please do not believe me on face value, and by the same token don't believe rhetoric of organizations whose charter is to eliminate smoking either. Do some research, check non-biased sources; statistical abstracts, WHO stats, compare these to the statistics on the instance of smoking in societies. Check Western Europe stats, Japan. ...or then again maybe it's easier for you just to believe the increasingly and ridiculously exaggerated "facts" these organizations throw around. I have seen "facts" on this subject, from supposedly reputable organizations that attribute higher fatality rates from smoking related disease per year than the combined total of all health related deaths combined. Just shows how gullible our society has become.

  • March 31, 2009 by wkj

    Alcohol is legal, what country do you live in? Drinking and driving is illegal not alcohol. There are more toxins in the "clean" air you think you're breathing than smoke from someones cigarette, think about it!

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  • April 17, 2009 by Barb

    Quit your moaning, tobacco use is legal. The government loves the sin taxes, but they're too scared to outlaw tobacco, so they let the states wreak havoc on the smokers. By the way, second hand smoke is just a guess on the effects. No clinical trials, where it has been proven to be a hazard, has been published to date. California has to be the most communist state in the nation. Good luck to you guys, hope they don't find wine to be such a health hazard!

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  • April 22, 2009 by kate montclair

    i can't believe there are people on here saying second hand smoke is harmless. since when is breathing in smoke harmless? People die from smoke inhalation in fires all the time- why? because it is healthy? No, because smoke isn't something we should be breathing in. Please, use some common sense. My husband grew up with parents who smoked. he has COPD and got chronic bronchitis. i used to live with smokers- and now develop a horrible hacking cough and lose my voice each and every time i get sick regardless of what the sickness is. is that enough proof for some of the people on here? Are the actual medical tests not financed by the tobacco industry? Is the lung cancer that killed my father-in-law enough proof? I totally agree with this law. why should a non-smoker have to live with your stink if you smoke?

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  • May 11, 2009 by THERESA CAVES

    I think that it is getting to be so ridiculous as to what the government is sticking their collective noses into. If I own a condo I should be able to do whatever I want to do in it. The smoke cannot go through the walls. Plus second hand smoke is just a myth. They have not really proved that there really is that problem. what rights are they going to take away next. Believe me, they will. And if everyone quit smoking, who would pay all those ridicules taxes they have imposed. Put more on drinking, that harms more people then smoking. The government needs to stay out of people’s private lives.

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  • June 16, 2009 by JR

    Second-hand smoke is very real. Do you know what second hand smoke is? It is the recycled smoke you blow out of your mouth; it is the unfiltered smoke that dangles from the end of the cigarette. It can kill people, it has been PROVEN to affect many children living and growing up in homes of people who smoke, causing them to have asthma, lung disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, etc. Maybe you should read up on the effects. It's the least you can do for your fellow neighbors and Americans.

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  • July 2, 2009 by Rachel

    I totally agree, having grown up around smoking parents and a grandfather who's in his 60's and still smoking. He has been since he was 12, and no doctor has ever found anything wrong with him unless they see he carries a pack on him. They should put more laws on drinking than on smoking as it carries more harm. But like you said, they earn to much money by people smoking.

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  • August 7, 2009 by Jessi

    Listen I have two children when around smokers who are disrespectful and inconsiderate to the people around them, their asthma takes control very quickly. I have individuals within my family who would attempt to smoke around them a few times I didn't even realize but a few times in ER with asthma attack with a two yr. old and be admitted, the doctors informed me of such result. Since no smoking is allowed around my children or I leave or if my own house they leave. Their asthma attacks have decrease to seasonal with allergies only and both have not had any ear infections which were a constant bother, for my youngest at 9mo. old needed tubes in his ears, since everything has been great. So my point is don't ignorant second hand smoke is just as harmful and deadly to us as smoke is to the actual smoker. Have you asked professional physician they would fill you in and I'm sure they would give you material to look at along with statistics.

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  • October 14, 2009 by joe slick

    how ridiculous is that statement. I grew up in a house of smokers. The smoke so thick you can see it 3 feet off the floor. I learned to play outside from morning unto well after dark, sleep with the window open and the door closed, with a towel at the bottom of the door. I threw away ash trays, poured any liquid i could into unattended burning cigs, throw out packs that we unattended..crush them, brake them. But: .... ..... Both grandparents smoked and died of lung cancer. Mother is currently dying from complications of lung cancer. I have asthma, troubles breathing and severe allergies. I have suffered and been a victim my whole life from second had smoke........ For someone to say there is no proof...or that it is a myth...this comes from a self centered, egotistical, SOB. Everyone who smokes should be allowed to do so, but not at the expense of anyone else. Put them in a sealed room, recirculate the room with an air conditioner that has the intake vent on the inside and let them puff away. Then tell me that second hand smoke is a myth. Oh! ;) I get it, you need fresh air, well, we all do so stop smoking!

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    • July 20, 2010 by Cari Geldreich

      Your statement: We pay higher taxes for something we enjoy doing. If they don't like it - tough. So dose this mean if you enjoying killing people it's ok because you are paying more in taxes? This is really sick. Cigarettes are a drug and drug users will do what ever it takes to get their drug. They don't care about anyone even themselves. This is evident in your statement. Its more important for drug users to get their drug than to care about the health, safety, and welfare of everyone around them. I suffer every day at work and in my own home because smokers think its ok to smoke because they are outside. Well all that outside air comes right into my work and my home. You want to belly ache about your right to smoke, well what about my right to clean air? What about my right to not have to suffer everyday from other peoples cigarette smoke? Our laws are getting stricter on factory pollution too. Are you going to defend factories too and say that they have the right to pollute the air? This is not about taking away a persons freedoms, it's about looking out for peoples health. Why don't all of you smokers do yourselves a favor and go to an Asthma clinic and light up a cigarette next to a child that is there for asthma and see for yourself how your actions make another person suffer and ask yourself if what you are doing is really ok. And I just want to say touché to Joe Slick. I loved what you said at the end.

• March 27, 2009 by Kip Pancake

  Indiana just passed a statewide bill similar to this one. I am trying to figure out when America became a Communist state. To think they can tell us what to do in our around our own home is crazy. It looks like maybe we need to take this country back and limit these lawmakers on what they have the power to control.

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  • June 16, 2009 by JR

    America is finally protecting the rights of the non-smokers. You say that you think America is trying to take away your rights by telling you what you can and can not do in your own home. Did you ever stop to think that maybe America is finally protecting the rights and health of the rest of America? I don't want to inhale second-hand smoke from you or anyone else. It's terrible, smells nasty and hurts my lungs and throat. But guess what? When I go to bed at night, leave a window open for some cool fresh air and all night I'm asleep and don't realize I'm inhaling the smoke from my neighbor below me I will know the next morning because my chest hurts and I have a sore throat. It happens every time I breathe in a little too much smoke. But some people who smoke don't care about the health and concerns of others. Some people want to smoke and by god they are going to do what they want to do, forget what other people feel or have to deal with. It's so selfish of people to think that they should have the right to smoke. They don't. If you want to kill yourselves, go ahead but don't take others down with you. Hurting other people is not within your American rights.

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    • August 17, 2010 by Carol

      So what about the air pollution that is all around you? What are you doing about that? About the bus fumes you inhale on every street corner (MUCH worse than second hand smoke, by the way). Most don't give a damn about that, but if they get a whiff of second hand smoke from a cigarette, all hell breaks loose.

  • February 9, 2010 by Bob

    Indiana has no statewide ban,and won't have one until the sponsor backs down on exemptions for casinos in HIS district..

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  • June 26, 2010 by Sharon Langer

    "Allergies" are the most creative defense I have yet seen for "anti-smoking" brigades.Now that you have wiped out smoking in 95% hotel rooms, all airplanes, and most airports and restaurants, you are now going into people's homes, cars and the great outdoors to institute your "right thinking". This is not communisism, it is the tryanny of the majority. My grandmother was a member of the WCTL. I never liked her. I can only hope that we will now get underground cigarette trafficking. Recent legislation is not about our health, it is designed to give States more tax money. It passed because so many of you like it...smokers are easy targets for our legislators while they fail to deal with the real problems..Iraq, Afganistan,recession,energy problems,etc. So...feel happy all of you "allergic" folks.You will stamp out smoking, but what have you done about real issues?

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    • July 2, 2010 by Ty

      That is exactly the point, my wife is allergic to grasses, trees and flowers....that give me the right to demand that the entire community be paved over?

• March 27, 2009 by jredheadgirl

  This is insane! There is no health risk of SHS through a wall!! Where is the due process of law here? Removing due process of the law with regards to ANY issue should scare the hell out of anyone. Think of the precedent that this sets. Prove it. Prove that there is a carcinogenic level of smoke that can go through walls for crying out loud! You can't, because there IS no health threat. This is un-constitutional, un-American, and is scary as hell. Think Germany circa the Hitler years people. State sponsored hate has no place in a free and just society.

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  • April 25, 2009 by John Severns

    With Bambi in the WH and the Queen in the house, we are in for a battle. It is frightening the similarities of the Bambi WH and his left-wing supporters to Hitler and his cronies. All Christians will be riding trains to "re-education camps” if they get their way!

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  • June 1, 2009 by Jeffrey Rosen

    The reason this ban is in place is due to the following facts. If you smoke on your balcony or your windows are open your second hand smoke can make it to the neighbors open windows. I think all smokers and ex-smokers are familiar with the sounds of closing windows and sliding doors when they lite up and smoke. Secondly depending on your condo and or apartment it's possible for the smell of smoke to make it to adjacent units.

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• March 29, 2009 by Michelle

  I am a non-smoker but I firmly believe that a person should have the right to smoke in their own house! For crying out loud...this is supposed to be land of the free! It is our money; our health...the government should BUTT OUT.

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  • June 16, 2009 by mamiet hall

    Actually, people do die from smoking and many people are being affected by it. You can also get lung cancer from smoking. I think smokers should waste their money on more important things than on cigarettes because cigarettes don't help you. It affects you and the people around you. I even know people who have died from smoking. I also know people who are lying in the hospital bed sick because they have lung cancer. Just try to quit smoking even though it is not easy. Once you quite, believe it, you will be healthier and happier.

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  • March 22, 2010 by Mandy Allison Williams

    75% of children who grow up in homes where one or both parents smoke in the home become smokers too. Why should there not be laws to keep parents from smoking around their children? Whether it be in the home, in the car, or in a public place. If these parents are to stupid to care about their own children maybe someone needs to do it for them and make a law that prohibits them from harming their children.

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• March 30, 2009 by PATSY LUDWIG

  I wanted to say that my mom and my mother in law never smoked are where they around second hand smoke and both of them died of cancer so why do people make a big deal about smoking. I'm 55 and I smoke but as healthy as a horse so people need to let smokers alone.

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  • December 8, 2009 by Brandon Smith

    i agree they need to leave smokers alone we are not disturbing anyone so leave us alone

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  • December 9, 2009 by Brandon Smith

    i agree we have the right right smoke in our own home if we please no one is saying so unless they want to pay all the bills

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    • April 25, 2010 by Valerie

      I agree if the government is going to tell me I can't smoke in my own home they can pay all my bills too. I would feel the same way if I owned a business. I pay the taxes I pay the insurance I pay all the bill so who are you to tell me the people I will cater to. Just post a sign smokers welcome and if you don't like it don't go in period. Just like I do now. If the place says no smoking I'm fine with that I DON"T GO IN and spend my money.

• March 30, 2009 by debbie corbin

  What’s next? This is crazy. Cigarettes are unhealthy but other habits people have are so much worse. I agree smoking in certain places not safe for others but in own home is all ridiculous. Communist, go away; this isn’t Russia.

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• March 31, 2009 by Wayne Travis

  Tell me I can't smoke in my four walls. The neighbor would be... well you know - not in the best of health. ::: laughs :::: Neighbors for smoking police.

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• March 31, 2009 by Charles H. Bachman Jr.

  I am tired of all the nonsense the non smokers are putting in every ones head. First and foremost, we pay higher taxes for something we enjoy doing. If they don't like it - tough. Also, you are right about the books soon there will be no children’s books that were published before 1983 because they have lead in the ink now. When are the do gooders going to wise up. This is America people and all are created equal. The biggest cancer is caused by our government. They have bargained with the Tobacco Company and had to pay each state a settlement fund which is now being used for other things then it was intended for. The biggest cancer is the big government that is violating your rights and freedoms and steeling from the public moneys. This is a personal thing and the government should but out. Maybe they should start taxing Gay people just because they want to be gay. The can not rent in a complex because they are gay. They may transmit second hand gayism. We certainly Donor want Americas children exposed to that they will get AIDS or worst yet they may contract the government maid HIV virus. Oh No! Get off your high horse none Smokers. Some of these people don't even realize what is going on around them. All the while the fat cats of the government are getting rich and above the law. Oh! And another thing ask how many members of the MADD group had gotten charged with DUI then ask how many politicians had gotten the full wrath of the law on DUI. Start looking at what is going in and around you people. Do you really think that the people you put into office are working for you best interest? If you do then you deserve every thing you get. Then let’s talk about what is really causing the cancer through this country of ours. Let’s talk about the radiation levels that are in the areas in which you live. Do you think that smoking is the main cause of the cancers we are getting? If so then you are a bigger fool then the smoker. Do you know why we have so much trouble in our streets of this nation? Because the Government and the do gooders intervene in the family structure. I knew that a good butt whipping when I was young taught me how to respect my parents and others. But now of days children have laws to protect their rights and tell their parents to go to Hell. Why, they can even divorce their parants. What is happening is that too, too much government intervention. So you will have to wear your under wear on the out side of your pants so that we can see that you are wearing clean under wear ever day. This government has to do as we say, not what they want to do. America this is not what our fore fathers had in mind. As for the yuppies whom think they are better then anyone else, then I will tell you to move to a communistic country. This is the land of the free and of the brave. History always repeats it self over and over again. We are in the beginning of a Depression. This I tell you is true! The pettiness of not being able to do what you want is not freedom. Yes I am a Smoker and I think it is Bull. People have been doing this smoking for years and some have even survived past 100 years old. I will bet soon there will be a revolution whereby the country will take its indepenance back again. So Yes Butt out of the smokers business and stop over taxing them. Most of the bars, clubs, restraints are closing because the smoking band. Heavy taxes and deals with the tobacco companies from our government are going for other things through apporeations. The biggest is these pork barrels. The thing I want to say is tell the people whom are representing us to stop stealing our taxes. Start looking into your tax base and you will see all the greed that is taking place. Close done the government programs of children and youth service to only taking care of real abuse of the children. Think Democracy of the people, by the people and for the people. Have a nice Day!!!!!!!!!

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  • August 14, 2009 by Larra Storey

    You could not have said it more beautifully, Great job, I agree with everything you said and it sounds like you even have done your research too and thats awesome. Too bad we can't clone you!

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• March 31, 2009 by michael

  I thought this was America.we are supposed to be a free country. As more and more things I hear about the Gov putting restrictions on things the less I feel about where I'm living. Yes I do think the Gov should butt out. Its a lil insane to tell some one they're evicted for smoking a cigarette in their own enclosed home. And I'm sorry.all you people thinking second hand smoke is gonna kill you??? Get over it. You breath far worse when walking down the side walk breathing car exhuast fumes or sitting infront of your camp fires. This is just another thing for the "NAGGERS" to NAG about. Butt out and leave America alone. Thank you.

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• March 31, 2009 by maxwood

  No one above has mentioned these possibilities so here it goes: 1. Vaporizer. Most brands run $200 - $600 but a big savings in the long run compared to $2000 a year for a pack-a-day smoker in a high tax state. Eliminates carbon monoxide and all smoke including side-stream smoke (SSS, which is worse than second-hand smoke SHS). Heats the tobacco to about 400 degrees Fahrenheit, instead of temperatures over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit reached in conventional cigarettes. 2. E-cigarette. Ignore Senator Lautenberg. There's no way this mini-vaporizer isn't safer than cigarettes. It vaporizes pure nicotine and/or other flavors from a cartridge in the mouthpiece by means of a heating element which runs on rechargeable batteries. Various brands start around $60. 3. Screened single-toke utensil (long-stemmed one-hitter). This miniature smoking method (1/4"-diameter. crater) permits 25-mg. servings instead of 700-mg. as in a typical cigarette, no side-stream smoke.

  Reply

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