New York smoking ban gone too far? Health experts disagree

By Dr. Ananya Mandal, MDFeb 20 2011

Now there is a faction that believes the soon-to-pass smoking ban on most parks and many beaches throughout New York City to be “going too far” and is questioning the bill.

There are many opposing the smoking ban who argue that with the number of other pollutants that are found throughout a city, cigarette smoke is just another by-product. After all, buildings, cars, trucks, and buses are still allowed to operate and produce, in many cases, at least as much pollution. In addition some health experts explain that simply smelling a cigarette when exposed to outside air is not as detrimental to the health as some may believe.

Worst is that smokers of New York huddle in phone booths, hurry down cold streets and hover at office-building doorways during breaks to smoke.

Regardless of all the anti-ban discussion, Thomas A. Farley, the city Health Commissioner, explains that the law is beneficial as it will alleviate the smoking nuisance from parks and beaches, making the areas enjoyable for those who do not smoke. He said the ban is aimed at protecting the most vulnerable, such as asthma sufferers who are susceptible to respiratory attacks from exposure to second-hand smoke; children who might pick up smoking after seeing adults with lit cigarettes. It is also meant to reduce litter.

The City Council approved the bill Feb. 2; the mayor has 20 days to sign it. A separate bill that would have set aside smoking areas in parks did not pass. Those who break the law could face fines of $50 per violation.

The Health Department argues that its tobacco-control strategy saved an estimated 6,300 lives between 2002 and 2009, mostly from a reduction in cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as cancer. The smoking rate dropped 27 percent during the same period.