Do you believe 2nd hand smoke is toxic and will harm you and your family?

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irishScott

Lifer
Oct 10, 2006
21,562
3
0
Originally posted by: DrPizza
I'll preface this response with I find smoking absolutely disgusting.

However, in the quote above, there's a 30% increased risk of cancer due to second hand smoke. Uhhh, 30% more than what? What are the odds of developing lung cancer if you're not a smoker, don't inhale 2nd hand smoke, and don't work closely with asbestos? 1 in 1000? What's a 30% increased risk there? 1.3 in 1000? Why don't we ever see the actual rate of risk? (I suspect) is it because the actual risk is still really low, but "30% increase" sounds like it's a huge deal, thus enabling even more anti-smoking "propaganda."

Again, I absolutely hate cigarette smoke. I can't stand to be around smokers. They stink. Their cigarette smoke stinks. But, I'm not persuaded by "30% increased risk" argument.

Or, to put it another way, your risk of getting hit by a meteorite are probably 1 in several billion. I'm magically going to double your risk. That's a 100% increase! Now, your odds of getting hit by a meteorite are 2 in several billion. I'll bet you're shaking in your boots, huh? I'll bet you wish I wasn't magic. "30% increase" is statistically meaningful, i.e. Yes, research proves 2nd hand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer, but it carries no other meaning unless you know what the original risk was.

Note: Cancer isn't the only bad thing from 2nd hand smoke, there are also: emphysema, stinkiness, sore throats, stinkiness, asthma, and did I mention it smells bad?

The statistical amount that "30%" represents depends largely on the individual's genes. If the gene for lung cancer is only slightly repressed, that 30% could be enough to activate it. Also in a concentrated environment (ie sports bar), or over an extended period, that percentage could rise drastically.

 

Leros

Lifer
Jul 11, 2004
21,867
7
81
It won't kill me, but its certainly not good for me. Either way, its nasty. It smells bad, it turns everything yellow. I really don't want to be around it.
 

IGBT

Lifer
Jul 16, 2001
17,969
140
106
..products of combustion are numerous and no doubt a hazard. Do your burning outside.
 

Kadarin

Lifer
Nov 23, 2001
44,296
16
81
How can anyone think that inhaling the exhaust from burning leaves could be anything other than bad for you? It is bad for you, and no amount of belief to the contrary will change that.
 

Colt45

Lifer
Apr 18, 2001
19,720
1
0
Sure it's bad for you, but it's not going to kill you unless you live in a bingo hall, and even then...

If smoking didn't stink there would never have been an issue. The real reason behind the bans is whiners can't handle the smell.
 

dmcowen674

No Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
54,889
47
91
www.alienbabeltech.com
Originally posted by: her209
Topic Title: Do you believe 2nd hand smoke is toxic and will harm you and your family?

Smoking is good for you, makes strong bones and body.

Those not smoking themselves need to coddle up and suck up as much of the tar and nicotine to catch up.

Smoking should be made mandatory. Doctors smoked and recommended smoking in ads too.

Doctors Recommend Smoking Camels
 

vi edit

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Oct 28, 1999
62,484
8,345
126
I'm on the fence about cancer, but I do believe the studies on asthma rates and severity of asthma symptoms of childen that grow up with smokers in the home.

 

Garet Jax

Diamond Member
Feb 21, 2000
6,369
0
71
My brother and I both have asthma with no previous family history of it.

We were both subject to second hand smoke as children because a family member smoked.

So yes I believe it causes damage.
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,572
971
126
The very little that I'm exposed to it? No...I don't.

Still, I live in California, a state that has banned smoking in pretty much any public building and all bars/restaurants and I'm very happy that they did, it's definitely a good thing. I can't stand it when I go to a state that allows smoking in restaurants.
 

trmiv

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
14,670
18
81
Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
The very little that I'm exposed to it? No...I don't.

Still, I live in California, a state that has banned smoking in pretty much any public building and all bars/restaurants and I'm very happy that they did, it's definitely a good thing. I can't stand it when I go to a state that allows smoking in restaurants.

No kidding, I moved to one. I came from California to NC and it's a big change to get used to people smoking in restaurants. There are some restaurants here that don't allow people to smoke though.
 

alien42

Lifer
Nov 28, 2004
12,862
3,295
136
you could sit in a smokey bar for a week straight and it would not even compare to smoking a few cigarettes. that being said, the entire concept of 2nd hand smoke being that harmful is blown way out of proportion. obviously people with asthma and both babies and old folks are an exception.
 

Kaspian

Golden Member
Aug 30, 2004
1,713
0
0
I dont smoke. I beleive 2nd hand is harmfull. And even if it wasnt, I wouldn't want you smoking in my house, car, workplace, etc. Its a nasty habit. Makes your teeth look like shit. It makes your clothes smell like shit. And it makes your breath smell as if someone took a shit in your mouth. Health factors aside, "they" make smoking look cool in movies though.