Editorial: ASH QUOTED: Smokers Do Not Trump Nonsmokers' Rights [02/16/06-2]

Excerpts from: Smokers Do Not Trump Nonsmokers' Rights, LA Times

By John F. Banzhaf III [02/16/06]

Your editorial mischaracterizes Calabasas' new ordinance - which protects nonsmokers from exposure to a "known human carcinogen" and "toxic air contaminant" by largely limiting outdoor smoking to small designated areas - by focusing on the narrow issue of enforcement, something that has not proved to be a significant problem with other laws limiting smoking indoors or out.

You also ignore evidence showing that an asthmatic attack can be triggered by even a tiny amount of smoke, and the long-standing policy of protecting citizens from any unnecessary involuntary exposure to cancer-causing substances. Let's give the ordinance a fair chance and see how it works.

JOHN F. BANZHAF III

Executive Director, Chief Counsel

Action on Smoking and Health

Washington

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