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One of the things I hate, yes, I really hate it, is cigarette smoke. I get angry when I smell the smoke of the neighbors who are smoking directly in front of the entrance door of our apartment build, while we are trying to let fresh air in. But situations like smelling smoke at train stations or bus stops make me feel really uncomfortable as well.

I immediately think about all the toxic chemicals I am forced to breathe. I think about all the damage those might cause. And I think about cancer. And what depresses me the most is that some smokers get so old, while people who never smoke and live quite healthy sometimes die so early.

I don’t understand why there are no stricter rules for smokers, to better protect non-smokers. Like not smoking on bus stations. A ban on smoking in front of buildings, near child playgrounds. Or, generally, a ban on smoking when other non-smokers are nearby.

According to the WHO, 8 million people die due to smoking every year, “including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke”.

Kurzgesagt made a good video about smoking. Why it’s so rewarding at first, what it does to the body, and why it’s a terrible idea to smoke.

Thanks for listening to my little rant. I had to let that out.

P.S.: Just before pressing the Publish button, I found this post from 2018. My opinion hasn’t changed a bit. Health is such a luxury good, don’t waste it!