I was reading this article from TIME magazine courtesy of CNN's website, and I began to get a little concerned.
Two nights ago I was at a T.G.I. Friday's watching basketball at the bar. No one was smoking at the time, but I could smell the smoke of someone who left before I arrived.
I wanted to see the game and there was no one smoking when I arrived, so I felt safe. But now, I regret the decision to sit at the bar or even in the restaurant at all.
Secondhand smoke
Secondhand smoke has been linked to a number of health conditions including:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Heart disease
- Asthma in children
- Ear infections in children
- Low birth weight in infants
Everything I typed above I already knew about secondhand smoke. What I did not know was how fast these changes could occur. The article states that NNK blood levels can rise at a rate of 6 percent per hour. NNK is one of the many carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. I have spent many hours at social events in bars or lounges with smokers present. What was I thinking?
I also did not know that only 13 states prohibited smoking in all restaurants. That is ridiculous. I believe in a smoker's right to smoke, but I also believe in my right to breathe clean, non-disease causing air.
Now what?
After reading this article, I am going to stay away from any establishment that allows smoking inside. I work very hard trying to prevent disease in myself. I would hate to get lung cancer and die because I was having a beer with my co-workers.
I would encourage all non-smokers to stay away from smokers, while they are smoking. I would also encourage you to petition your state legislature to ban smoking in all businesses. I would encourage smokers to seek out a health care provider for tips on smoking cessation.
Sources:
The Mayo Clinic Plan
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