because of its large size and ventilation, Though
these levels of expasure have no known serious asso-
ciation with any disease, they can be irritating and
possibly harmful if you have a chronic disease,

Other scientists have suggested that tobacco smoke
is particularly annoying because it is highly visible
even in low concentrations, Also, teary cyes and
runny noses are commonly experienced in smoke-

-filled rooms. The nonsmoker's typically very low
odor threshold for stale smoke may trigger emo-
tional responses as well.

Dr. David M. Burns, the federal government's
top medical man on the smoking and health issue,
summed things up this way: “There is ample evi-
dence that involuntary smoking causes annoyance
and minor eye and throat irritations to a substantial
percentage of the population, It may cause major
and, occasionally, life threatening problems to peo-
ple with heart and lung disease.”

What can you do?

Tie NoxsMoxer’s tc not to be bothered by to-
bacco smoke has already been recognized by a num-
ber of actions, Federal regulatory agencies now re-
quire no-smoking sections on interstate planes, trains
and buses. Some states and municipalities enforce
smoking bans in public buildings and areas, such as
elevators, indoor theaters and concert halls, Many
doctors’ offices, hospitals and other buildings have
no-smoking rules, About 160 proposals to restrict or
segregate smokers are pending in 39 states,

A number of antismoking organizations work for
antismoking laws and encourage public opinion that
favors the rights of nonsmokers, Last year many of
these organizations drafted a document called the

 

They stick up for nonsmokers

These antismoking groups promote nonsmokers’
rights, lobby for antismoking legislation and produce
literature and research on the subject. Most of them
have local chapters throughout the U.S., as do the
American Lung Association, the American Cancer So-
ciety and the American Heart Association.

GASP (Group Against Smokers’ Pollution), P.O.
Box 632, College Park, Md. 207-40.

ASH (Action on Smoking and Health), 2000 H St.,
N.W., Washington, D.C, 20006,

ANSR (Association for Non-Smokers’ Rights), 1829
Portland Ave., Minneapolis, Minn, 55404,

National Organization of Non-Smokers, 332 S. Michi-
gan Ave., Suite 1060, Chicago, Ill, 60604,

National Interagency Council on Smoking and
Health, Room 1301, 419 Park Ave. 5,, New York,
N.Y. 10016.

 

 

 

12 CHANGING TIMES The Kiplinger Magazine

DOUGLAS CLLEGE
ARCHIVES
Bill of Rights for Non-Smokers. It declares that non-
smokers have certain rights: “The right to breathe
clean air... free from harmful and irritating tobacco
smoke. This right supersedes the right to smoke when
the two conflict.

“The right to speak out , . . to express—firmly but
politely—their discomfort and adverse reactions to
tobacco smoke. They have the right to voice their
objections when smokers light up without asking
permission,

“The right to act , ,. through legislative channels,
social pressures or any other legitimate means—as
individuals or in groups—to prevent or discourage
smokers from polluting the atmosphere and to seek
the restriction of smoking in public places.”

And, of course, you have the right to adopt that
declaration as your own credo, In addition, here are
ways to prevent smoke from getting in your eyes:
> Lct family, friends, co-workers and strangers
know that you do mind if they smoke. Be firm, but
polite, Avoid a know-it-all, sanctimonious ‘attitude,
Smokers have rights, too, and emotions can run high
on both sides of this issue. So be a good listener, hear
the other side out and be prepared to compromise
on occasion. pe
> Request no-smoking accommodations when you
travel. When making hotel reservations, ask whether
nonsmoker accommodations are available; a few ho-
tels and motels have rooms for nonsmokers.
> In restaurants and other public places where
smoking is allowed, request seating away from
smokers,
> Use buttons and signs to indicate your feeling
about smoking. For instanee, you could note on
your party invitations, “No smoking please,” You
can get lapel pins and stickers from antismoking
groups for your car, home and office with slogans of

varying degrees of belligerency, such as: “Yes, Ido .

mind.” “Thank you for not smoking,” “Kissing a
smoker is like licking out a dirty ash tray.” “I don’t
spit in your face, Don't blow smoke in mine.”

> Patronize firms that enforee no-smoking rules.
Ask the managers of those that don’t have smoking
regulations to consider instituting them. ;
> Propose no-smoking rules at meetings of clubs
and organizations to which you belong. If you are
to speak or entertain at a meeting, ask that there be
no smoking during your presentation,

> Remove ash trays and cigarct boxes from your
home and office.

> Encourage and support legislation to ban smok-
ing or to set up smoke-free sections in public places.
> Join and support organizations that crusade for
nonsmokers’ rights and no-smoking regulations. See
the box for a sampling of these groups.

September 1975

Lebo ene® ¥:

 

 

 

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