Non-smokers’ Rights

The irony of the focus of concern shifting from the smokers to the non-smokers is hard to believe for some. It is not so much the negative health implications, as it is about protecting those who do not wish to experience them.

The concern of infringing upon the rights of other individuals seems to be the main drive. That is why more and more business owners are choosing to run a smoke-free establishment at the risk of hurting business. It turns out that, overall, banning smoking has not had that significant of an impact as once thought.

It is considered a milestone that the rights of the non-smoker have prevailed in the workplace. It should be the concern of the business owner to look out for the health and safety of their employees. We, as a country, have come a long way in the line of legislation for non-smokers. Litigation has become more prevalent against the tobacco industry now, mainly because it has been proven to be deadly. It is only until recently that manufacturers of cigarettes could be held liable for their products. Tort law indicates that in order for a manufacturer to be held liable for a product, it would have to prove defective. Because of newer studies proving that cigarettes are the cause of many health problems, including lung cancer, this is now possible.

So with all of this evidence, it is wise to uphold and/or defend the rights of non-smokers. When the health of other individuals who choose not to smoke is affected by someone else’s smoking, they have the right to not be exposed.