For the past few weeks, Mr. Louis Ng Kok Kwang from Nee Soon East has been passionately advocating against the dangers of secondhand smoke, urging the government to take action to protect Singaporeans’ health. While we commend Mr. Louis for his unwavering dedication to this crucial issue, we believe that banning smoking at windows and balconies alone will not solve the problem of secondhand smoke drifting into neighbors’ homes.
Why Banning Window Smoking Is Not Enough
Cigarette smoke and its odor can travel even if smokers avoid windows and balconies. Neighbors and those around smokers remain exposed to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Additionally, while some smokers might close their windows while smoking, the toxic smoke and smell will still disperse and drift into neighboring homes once the windows are reopened.
The Threat of Thirdhand Smoke
Residues from secondhand smoke settle on furniture, clothing, curtains, and other surfaces, creating thirdhand smoke, which is equally deadly and harmful to health. The smell of cigarette smoke is reminiscent of a “corpse flower,” making it unbearable to live in a house with such an overwhelming odor all day.
Impact on Sleep and Health
Chain smokers who smoke continuously, even throughout the night, pose a significant public health hazard. Their actions disrupt the sleep of others, leading to numerous health issues. Sleep deprivation hampers a person’s ability to function fully during the day.
Inconveniences for Non-Smokers
Non-smokers face numerous inconveniences, such as having to constantly or permanently close windows and doors to block secondhand smoke, resulting in poor ventilation at home. Some residents even close their windows permanently because smokers heavily smoke in toilets, further worsening ventilation. Laundry hung outside gets soiled by secondhand smoke, and cooking with closed kitchen windows becomes challenging.
High Cost of Living Near Smokers
To block secondhand smoke, many residents resort to investing in air conditioners, air purifiers, fans, and air quality detectors. These devices are expensive and not affordable for everyone. Breathing unpolluted air is a right that everyone deserves. Smokers should not deprive others of this right due to their unhealthy habits. There should be no place for smoking at home.
It’s clear that banning smoking at windows and balconies is only a partial solution to the pervasive issue of secondhand and thirdhand smoke. To truly protect the health and well-being of non-smokers, we must adopt a more comprehensive approach. The only effective solution is to ensure a smoke-free home environment. This requires stricter regulations, community effort, and a collective commitment to maintaining clean air. Everyone deserves the right to breathe unpolluted air, and we must work together to uphold this fundamental right by promoting smoke-free homes.
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