To the editor:
After reading many reports and comments in the Plainsman and on the designated blog, I feel it is appropriate to offer a perspective from a medical professional regarding the possibility of changes to smoking policy at Auburn University.
Several arguments have been offered in opposition to tighter restrictions on smoking, and they generally fall into one of three categories:
1. Smoking restrictions will represent some sort of infringement of rights.
2. Smoking restrictions are unfair because there are other unhealthy behaviors that are not in turn strictly regulated.
3. There is skepticism that passive exposure to tobacco smoke is sufficiently harmful to warrant smoking restrictions. Permit me to briefly address these arguments.
The first argument is absurd on the surface. There is no existing right to smoke, and there never has been. An activity that is enjoyed by a minority segment of the population does not automatically attain the status of a "right." This argument is a subterfuge, and a logically poor one at that.
The second argument is a classic straw man fallacy. The existence of other unhealthy behaviors has no bearing whatsoever on whether or not smoking policy should be changed.
The third argument is worth addressing reasonably. There is overwhelming data that passive, or so-called second-hand, exposure to tobacco smoke is a health hazard. Recent studies have demonstrated that the mere presence of tobacco smoke residue on the clothing of a co-worker or cohabitant increases the incidence of respiratory irritation, asthma exacerbations, ear infections, and other illnesses.
There is no safe zone for exposure to tobacco smoke, and anyone who claims that there is not sufficient evidence to justify such a statement is either delusional or willfully ignorant.
Let us be clear.
Restrictions on smoking are not an indictment of the morals or worth of smokers. This is a public health issue.
In light of current knowledge, it is irresponsible to consider anything other than establishing Auburn University as a smoke-free campus, even though that means inconveniencing and annoying smokers.
I urge the Auburn community to support Eric Smith and his committee as they seek to improve the health and welfare of the entire Auburn family.
I also urge any smokers who would like help in quitting to contact any of us at the Auburn University Medical Clinic.
We would be happy to discuss options with you.
--Shannon Cason, MD, AU Medical Clinic
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