Smoking FAQs A refresher course in the dangers of smoking
So why is smoking banned outside school?
Teachers have a responsibility towards their students, both to the sixth form and the lower school. Children are undoubtedly influenced by the behaviour and the habits of Sixth formers, as we all share the one school. Smoking is unquestionably incredibly unhealthy to people of all ages, but particularly to younger people. Teachers have a responsibility for student safety and wellbeing, and so not only must they discourage life-threatening habits, but they also must make sure that younger students are not influenced by older students’ smoking habits. Teachers are not allowed to smoke anywhere on the premises either.
Is it just the school’s decision?
The County Council has asked both the school and the leisure centre to dissuade people from smoking on that pavement or in the car park. The inconvenience caused by this is supposed to put people off smoking. In fact, many people quit smoking because of the inconvenience, rather than for health reasons.
Will other people’s smoke really kill me?
Yes, if you’re exposed to enough of it. The reason behind this logic is the danger of second-hand smoke. Cancer Research UK gives this data on second-hand smoke:
“Second-hand smoke consists mainly of sidestream smoke, which is about four times more toxic than mainstream smoke, although people inhale it in a more diluted form. This is because sidestream smoke contains much higher levels of many of the poisons and cancer-causing chemicals in cigarettes, including:
· up to three times as much carbon monoxide · five times more cadmium · 3-10 times more polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons · 10-40 times more nitrosamines · about 15 times more benzene · 40-70 times more ammonia
But aren’t other things like heart disease more of a problem?
Actually, smoking is a leading factor in both respiratory and heart diseases, not just cancer. That is why smokers are separated from other people when they smoke. For the safety of those who do not smoke. BBC News reported on a recent major study of life-threatening illnesses in the UK conducted by medical professionals who concluded that smoking was the biggest controllable risk factor in the country.
Why does it matter if smokers choose to carry on smoking?
In Britain, we pride ourselves on our system of universal healthcare, funded by each and every taxpayer. The NHS offers help and guidance to those looking to quit - including nicotine replacement therapy through your GP - on top of offering the life-saving surgery or cancer treatment needed to deal with the consequences of a smoking addiction. These treatments cost millions each year, creating a drain on public resources that is not sufficiently covered by the taxes on cigarettes.
Aren’t drinking or obesity just as bad?
Yes and no. These both pose a serious danger to the health of the individual – as shown by the Government’s decision to begin minimum pricing for alcohol, and by the current pressure to reduce sugar and fat levels in processed food. However, smoking, no matter what the scale of the addiction, is more damaging to yourself and to others than having a single drink or a burger.
And the final word?
Like it or loathe it, smoking is one of the worst habits of today: it is severely addictive and irreversibly damaging to your own body and to those around you. It is not something that should be displayed in public around children, or something that should be encouraged in any environment.