Editor:
I would like to discuss second-hand smoke in strata condominiums and non-market apartment balconies in communities across B.C., an issue that is often overlooked.
Many non-smoking individuals, including families with children, the elderly and people of all ages, call this type of housing home.
Given the very serious problems associated with human morbidity and mortality associated with second-hand smoke, it is imperative that we understand the facts and significant risks. There is no safe minimum exposure to second-hand smoke.
Second-hand smoke contains 4,000 chemical compounds of which 250 are known to cause disease. The direct correlation of exposure to second-hand smoke to a significant increase in cancer types, lung disease, heart disease and a myriad of infections is irrefutable. This is backed up by the medical profession and associations worldwide, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Lung Association the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
As a society we must also understand that second-hand smoke puts significant financial pressures on our health system.
In B.C., as in other provinces, we have made some positive advancement in risk management related to second-hand smoke in workplaces, public buildings, parks and public amenities through changes to existing legislation.
I believe the provincial government must continue to evolve the notion of non-smokers'rights by banning second-hand smoke on balconies, hallways, elevators and lobbies.
No smoker should have the right to assault, poison and compromise the health of their nonsmoking neighbours. Your home should be considered a sanctuary.
We should have the implicit human right to breathe fresh air in that sanctuary.
Glenn Kirkwood
