Many people hold the view that smoking is a choice.

As far as I’m concerned, I do not agree with that view. Many reasons support my

point of view, and I would explore a few of the most important to others.

The main reason is that Tobacco smoke contains over 70 known cancer-causing

chemicals. Smokers have a high chance of having lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, etc.

These deadly diseases are directly linked to your body which damages the lungs and

your heart. Beyond the smoker, we have second-hand smoke that exposes others nearby

to the same cancer. Non-smokers have a high risk of having respiratory infections,

asthma attacks, and even lung cancer.

Another reason is that since 1964, about 2, 500, 000 people who did not smoke

died from health problems caused by second-hand smoke exposure. Exposure to

second-hand smoke has immediate negative effects on the body. These effects can

include harmful respiratory and inflammatory effects that can last for at least three

hours after exposure. The CDC reports that second-hand smoke causes around 41, 000

non-smoking adult deaths annually and 400 infant deaths annually. Non-smokers

should not have to accept these kinds of health risks for a better life.

Furthermore, smoking creates massive burdens and costs for the economy. The

expenses linked to healthcare in the US due to smoking amount to more than 170 billion

dollars annually. Dealing with illnesses caused by smoking such as cancer, COPD, and

heart disease puts a strain on the healthcare system. There is proof that second-hand

smoke results in a 5.6 billion dollars loss in productivity for the US economy.
Individuals who don’t smoke but are exposed to smokers tend to take days and show

reduced productivity at their jobs.

As we have seen, the severe consequences of smoking and second-hand smoke

cannot be overlooked, in short smoking is bad for our health. Public smoking bans

protect the well-being of non-smokers individuals exposed to second-hand smoke and

especially children. Taking action by enforcing a ban on smoking in areas will greatly

improve public health and the economy. It’s a duty that should not be disregarded.

Smoking is bad, so stop using it. If you don’t stop smoking, it will lead you to death.
 ENGLISH

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

SUBMITTED BY:

SEBASTIEN Q. ARMAMENTO

SUBMITTED TO:

MRS. VILMA DELA CRUZ