smoking banned in Dekalb's public areas.

no matter your personal views on the subject, smoking is something that has been a controversy for many, many years. ever since the early 1900's, smoking cigarettes has become a popular pass time for many Americans. during world war one and world war two cigarettes were given to soldiers as part of their rations. especially after the world wars, smoking became a popular and social activity. many Americans smoke cigarettes to relieve stress, to relax, or to just simply have a good time.

in DeKalb county, a county near Fulton county,  the county commission recently voted on tuesday to ban smoking in public parks, playgrounds, and in public lines. the plan to ban smoking passed, and the ban went into effect on wednesday. the commission voted for the ban of smoking in public places because the DeKalb Health Department believes that smoking is a public hazard. the supporters of the ban fought for the ban to include smoking in bars and night clubs. although the banning of smoking in bars and night clubs did not pass, some county commissioners believe that the issue may be revisited sometime in the future. many DeKalb residents believe that their freedoms are being restricted by this new plan. others believe that it is good for the community to get the smoke caused carcinogens out of the air, and the residents wish people would stop smoking in general because it is bad for their health.

i think that the plan to ban smoking in public areas is a good idea. this is important because this ban on smoking in public places could influence other counties to do the same. i am not saying that people should not be allowed to smoke, because that is their personal right and decision, but i think that their choice should not negatively affect others. smoke, and second hand smoke is a known carcinogen. about three thousand or more people die every year from second hand smoke. those deaths are easily preventable. if people only smoke in designated or in safe places, then less people would be exposed to second hand smoke, and less people would die. it shocks me that people would let their choices affect,and sometimes kill others. while we are on the subject of smoking, around 440,000 people die per year from smoking related diseases. it is scary to think about how many people have died from something that could have been prevented by the simple act of not smoking and not pollution your lungs. again, i am not trying to tell people not to smoke, i am just trying to inform people of the severe consequences that smoking can have on yourself, and especially others. so next time, think about if you want to risk your life or your neighbors life before you smoke.

 http://www.wsbtv.com/news/news/local/dekalb-bans-smoking-public-parks-playgrounds/nSmTZ/
 http://www.smoking-facts.net/