With the county-wide smoking ban going into effect Saturday, some Delaware County residents might be looking forward to the changes.
This is a step in the right direction, but the ban isn't complete. The ban prohibits smoking everywhere except private clubs, free-standing bars and personal property. Smoking is most prevalent in bars, but the Delaware County ban doesn't address them.
For some, going to the smoke-filled atmosphere of a bar is a choice. Those who work at the bar don't have a choice, and the partial ban isn't protecting them.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 126 million nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke each year.
"There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure. Even brief exposure can be dangerous," a department of health report said.
For those who make a point of not using tobacco products, it's not right to expose them to the very product they're trying to avoid with second-hand smoke.
Smokers might arguethat their rights have disappeared, saying bans like this are an infringement upon them. But the constitution does not give smokers the right to hurt others around them.
Other places around the world have successfully implemented comprehensive smoking bans, including New York City and Ireland. Delaware County has the ability to join them.
The fewer opportunities people have to smoke, the better off everyone will be.
Residents should encourage the Delaware County commissioners to make the ban complete.
Putting pressure on the commissioners for years brought us to where we are now. There's no reason to stop here.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
