THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, February 6, 1995 TAG: 9502030035
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
Isle of Wight Sen. Richard Holland's remark that ``nobody would hand a smoker an olive branch'' is inaccurate. The olive branch is out to those smokers who wish to kick their addiction, as well as to those who demonstrate considerate behavior when smoking.
Nonsmokers do not want war. We want consideration. We want to be able to breathe fresh air, uncontaminated by smoke and its carcinogenic contents.
Nonsmokers do not so much hate smokers as we hate the harmful effects of smoking to those of us who do not smoke. We hate that our children are poisoned by unthinking and/or uncaring adults who spew benzene, cadmium and nickel, among other chemicals (Consumer Reports, January 1995, p. 31).
If smokers wish to inhale those known carcinogens into their bodies, they should knock themselves out (and they probably will, given the increased risk of cancer). But they should not impose their poor judgment on those of us who care about our health.
I am pleased that Del. Frank Wagner was able to discover a solution to his need for nicotine as well as others' need for clean air. Nicotine gum! This provides the soothing relief offered by smoking without the carcinogenic effects. As mental-health professionals know, nicotine has a great calming effect, sometimes better than any prescription medication. Del. Wagner merits thanks for being considerate.
Finally, I find it hypocritical that the General Assembly has passed the Indoor Clean Air Act, which prohibits smoking in public places except in designated smoking areas, yet, according to your reports on smoke-filled rooms, the air at the General Assembly is anything but clean. It seems to me that the General Assembly is, indeed, a public place that needs to be subject to its own regulations.
CATHERINE C. VIEIRA-BAKER
Virginia Beach, Jan. 26, 1995 by CNB