TO THE EDITOR:

My world views on second-hand smoke are supported by not only the Surgeon General, but just about every health care organization in the world, e.g. Mayo Clinic, Fairview Health System, American Cancer Society, American Lung Society, and the World Health Organization.

My arguments were about protecting the common good.

I think it is wrong to mislead the public by minimizing the dangers of second-hand smoke.  Second-hand smoke is comprised of over 4,000 chemicals, 43 of which are known to cause cancer in humans. These chemicals take the form of tiny particles, gasses, and www.tooelehealth.org/Environmental_Health/#h>vapors, which are activated and inhaled when tobacco is lit, and chemicals are released into the air. Unfortunately, smoke from tobacco doesn't just affect the person using the air. Tobacco smoke is similar to water; it can flow though tiny cracks in units, follows pipelines, and can "leak" through the walls from one unit to another. It also travels through air conditioning/heating systems. This smoke is called "Second Hand Smoke" and is dangerous to both adults and children.

Just as it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol, it should be illegal to smoke in a setting that endangers the lives of others. I think that is why the ECM editorial board sided with me. I think that is why our state legislature is considering a statewide ban which many other states have already enacted.

Robert Walz
North Branch