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Petition Tag - smoking
1. Ban Pregnant Women from Buying Smokes 
Women shouldn't be aloud to smoke. It should be illegal for pregnant women to buy smokes.
If a mother is found with a smoke, they should get a small fine.
2. Raise Tobacco Access Age to 21 in Oregon
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Worldwide, tobacco use causes more than 5 million deaths per year, and current trends show that tobacco use will cause more than 8 million deaths annually by 2030” (“Smoking and Tobacco Use”). These numbers are high and it is projected that they will only increase over time. One way to combat these rising numbers is to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco.
An individual should not be able to buy tobacco until twenty-one because there is a smaller chance of becoming addicted to the substance, it is harder for underage children to get cigarettes from adults than their teenage friends, and their brain is still developing, and tobacco is a really harmful ingredient to put into developing bodies. This is why parents who have teenagers should be concerned with the current legal smoking age.
As we see an increase in deaths per year from cigarette smoking, we also see a rise in underage smoking. Smoking is harmful to not only a full grown adult body, but actually does additional harm on developing bodies. According to Tracii Hanes, from the Live Strong Website, “Underage smokers face an increased risk of lifelong addiction and serious health problems, such as cancer and heart disease” (Tracii Hanes). Smoking effects all underage smokers and it can damage an individual’s brain, heart, mouth, lungs, skin and muscles.
Excessive smoking leads to yellowing of the teeth and skin, loss of sensitive taste buds, increased chance for heart disease, high blood pressure, trouble breathing, coughing, and lung cancer (“How Tobacco Effects Your Body”). The brain is especially vulnerable with youth because their brains are developing into their full grown adult brain, and if they are smoking it is much easier for their brain to quickly develop an addiction to nicotine, a substance found in cigarettes. If teenagers develop smoking habit addictions at a young age, they are likely to continue with their behaviors for the rest of their lives.
At eighteen years old, an individual is officially an adult, so some may argue that teenagers are old enough and mature enough to make their own decisions. Although they are capable of making decisions on their own, teenagers are more likely to buy cigarettes if it is legal for them. The problem with this is that eighteen year olds are still developing and their brain is in the height of its growth period. The brain isn’t fully developed until an individual reaches their early twenty’s. If teenagers are allowed to buy cigarettes while their brain is still in the developing stage they will begin to notice a difference in everyday activities and in their learning capabilities.
Although smoking affects learning and daily activities, it also plays as enormous role in a teenager’s immune system. Terrence Malgamoz, from the Quit Smoking-Central explains, “Instead of the brain's immune cells keeping the brain protected from infection and inversions, NNK causes the white cells in teen smokers to over-react and attack or even destroy healthy brain cells” (Terrence Malgamoz). NNK is short for nicotine-derived nitrosamine ketone, which is one of the key ingredients in tobacco. In sum, if teenagers smoke, their natural body process of destroying intruders counteracts itself and actually attacks the healthy cells in their brain.
3. Stop Smoking in movies: It kills in real life
After several years of decline, smoking imagery in youth rated movies (G, PG, and PG-13) increased 36 percent in 2011.
According to the Surgeon General’s 2012 report Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults there is a causal relationship between depictions of smoking in the movies and smoking initiation among young people. PG-13 movies are the biggest concern since they account for nearly two-thirds of the smoking scenes adolescents see on the big screen.
Smoking is still a serious threat to our youth. According to the Surgeon General, nearly all adults who smoke started before the age of 18. Smoking during the teen years causes early damage to the lungs which in most cases cannot be reversed completely. It also leads to health problems including heart disease, asthma and numerous cancers as well as breathlessness and the inability to participate in physical activities.
4. Legalise Personal Use of Cannabis
Many Pros and Cons surround this argument about the legalisation of this drug, the Pros however heavily out weigh the Cons.
1) The chance to tax it
Roughly around 10 million people smoke cannabis in the UK, meaning a standard 20% tax on 10 million people smoking an average of 1 joint a day, would net the country an extra £2 billion.
2) Our overcrowded prisons
A high percentage of our prison space is occupied by cannabis related sentaces, people being locked up for either growing, distributing or smoking a plant, sound sensible?
3) Have certified smoking areas
Smokers realise not everyone enjoys it, so having laws and areas for the controlled recreational use of it so as to not bother those not wanting to be bothered.
Finally, we're proving that even though laws are in place, we are still doing it and your not stopping us, not meaning to sound rude, but why not make some money out of something that's happening and going to happen forever?
5. Youth against substance abuse
Millions in the world today have fallen and lost their lives to substance abuse.
we know people who have lost loved ones in drunk and driving accidents, watched their young son, grow up and turn into an addict, kids who see their mothers get beaten by their drunken fathers, and many more.
Drug dealers are found distributing and encouraging school children to take drugs. This has to be stopped.
Teenagers are actually saving up their lunch money and allowances to spend it on drugs,alcohol and cigarettes because they are simply addicted. They are not aware of the destruction these things cause to their body. Some children go through emotional distress and trauma, that they take to these substances for a short term 'relief'. They don't know about the bottomless pit they will fall into. They need to know about the hole it will create in their lives. We need to spread awareness.
We need to let as many people know so that we can save that many more lives. Its easier to Stay off drugs than to Get off drugs, if you use, you loose. These substances are not the answer, they multiply your problems. Let's stand together and rise up against substance abuse.
6. Protect Our KIDS, make K2 or fake weed ILLEGAL!
The legalization of K2 or fake weed as people are calling it is jeopardizing the health and welfare of our children and society. Speaking from personal experience I can tell you that my son is addicted and has no regard to family. He only cares about his next fix.
I have seen him high on this "weed", he was hallucinating, he hit his girlfriend, he was yelling uncontrollable, and then was having horrible abdominal pain with vomiting. I now, however, do not know where my child is as he has chosen to no longer live in my home or go to school because he lives for his next fix. Some get to not make it to the next fix.
There are several reported cases of death in florida due to this legal weed. The others are having cases ranging from headaches, tachycardia, abdominal pain, vomiting, hallucinations and seizures.
7. Modification of Flagstaff Smoke Free Air Ordinance
The state of Arizona adopted A.R.S. §36-601.01 in November of 2006, but the city of Flagstaff passed a local ordinance that furthered this act by prohibiting the ability to smoke indoors in any public place, even if that place principally sells or distributes tobacco, such as a smoke shop, hookah bar, and so on.
The Arizona law does not prohibit smoking within a "Retail tobacco store that makes at least 51% of its profit from the sale of tobacco," which is how the law should remain in all parts of Arizona.
This petition is in place to ask the city of Flagstaff to repeal or amend their individual smoke free ordinance to allow for "Retail tobacco stores" to operate once more in Flagstaff.
8. Amend the Alameda No Smoking Ordinance Expansion
Lucky 13 has been an established business for over 13 years, occupying a storefront on Park Street that has provided a refuge of respite for over 100 years. We support the community in a number of ways, most importantly of which is the stimulation of our local economy. Much of the money that comes in to our business goes back to our staff of 15, who in turn spend their money locally.
Patrons frequent our bar in order to relax and enjoy themselves, often after long days spent facing numerous smoking restrictions. We fear that the prohibitionary nature of the No Smoking Ordinance expansion will greatly impact our business, resulting in a huge loss of revenue and subsequently staff members; for both Lucky 13 as well as Scolari's, our prominent sister business next door.
Furthermore, we feel the estimated signage cost of $15,000, in addition to the cost of development and purchase of necessary forms; and increased staff time for education and outreach, mandatory inspections, and increased complaints, is an unbudgeted misuse of monies.
9. Stop Tobacco Giant from Getting University Research
This is from the BBC News;
"A Scottish university is battling a tobacco giant's attempt to gain access to its research into the smoking habits of thousands of teenagers.
Philip Morris International (PMI), which makes Marlboro cigarettes, has submitted Freedom of Information (FoI) requests to Stirling University.
The research examines why the teenagers start smoking and what they think of tobacco marketing."
Do we really want to give information to a Tobacco company about how to market cigarettes to children.
10. No More Smoke Free Zones in Frankston
Frankston Council wants to extend the outdoor smoke free zones to most of the major shopping strips in Frankston.
This will affect nearly all small business' in the affected areas, running small business is hard enough already, we need EVERY type of customer, smokers OR non-smokers. Cafes pay big dollars to the council to provide outdoor smoking areas for their diners and now they want to take it all away.
The Nanny state is getting out of control! Help us by signing our petition today!
Smoking causes many life threatening illnesses such as lung cancer and heart disease. Also, for every two hours you spend in a smoke-filled environment, you are inhaling the equivalent of one pack of cigarettes in secondhand smoke.
Furthermore, when non-smokers are exposed to secondhand smoke it is called involuntary smoking or passive smoking. Non-smokers who breathe in secondhand smoke take in nicotine and other toxic chemicals just like smokers do. The more secondhand smoke you are exposed to, the higher the level of these harmful chemicals in your body.
Lastly, about 3,400 lung cancer deaths in non-smoking adults are caused by secondhand smoke. Smokers not only kill themsleves, but murder others who do not smoke too.
12. Age ratings should be reconsidered
In the past years the minimum smoking age has been raised from 16 to 18 which has pissed many people off. Now they have introduced a law that enforces an on the spot fine for under 18's in possession of cigarettes and an even an on the spot fine for anyone over 18 buying cigarettes for under agers.
A 16 year old is well aware of the risks and is old enough to make his own decisions. If a 16 year old is old enough to: Move out, get married and have kids in Scotland then why cant they go out for a drink or just have a fag now and then?
Now onto Video games and pornography. Why should there be an 18 rating? This is the marriage thing all over again. if a 16 year old can have sex why the hell is he/her not allowed to buy porn and/or games such as call of duty or grand theft auto? (these are generally rated at 18) It is a ridiculous fight for control over the people.
Once more for emphasis if a 16 year old gets married and has kids, what on earth is he/she supposed to do with their spare time? they are too old for playgrounds and everywhere else they can't get in because they either have to be 18, 21 or even 25.
This also has a small effect on crime.
For example:
16+boredom= Drugs, vandalism and more.
On and after June 13, 2011, ITT Technical Institute in Bessemer, AL will become a smoke free campus. Smoking will be prohibited on any part of the campus facilities or grounds. This includes but is not limited to, the building, entranceways, parking lot (including inside your personal vehicle located on the parking lot), sidewalks, walking paths, driveways, patios, picnic areas and landscaped area.
14. It's Your Right To Smoke Menthol Cigarettes
The FDA is considering restricting or banning menthol cigarettes.
We as smokers of the legal age have the right to make a personal choice to use any legal product.
15. Ban Smoking in Public Places
Smoking can cause many diseases such as lung cancer and tuberculosis. People should be able to smoke, but not in public places. Smoking can even harm innocent people that DON'T smoke because the smoke can get in the innocent people's lungs.
I think that smoking should be banned in public places. If you do too, then please sign this petition.
16. Finally, a SMOKE FREE Canada!
This is a petition for Health Canada to allow Electronic Cigarette Nicotine Alternatives for use in Canada.
Since its inception in 2006, the electronic cigarette has proved a viable source for smoking alternatives. The device consists of a small, elongated tube cosmetically similar to that of a cigarette. The difference is that the electronic cigarette delivers a harmless vapor that contains a small amount of nicotine, rather than the toxic slurry of chemicals found in traditional tobacco cigarettes.
The response from smokers who have used the product is tremendous and almost all that have used this product agree that it has allowed them to discontinue the use of tobacco cigarettes. Many of these users have reported better overall health and well being since using the Electronic Cigarette Nictone Alternative over traditional tabbaco products.
The government of Canada is not allowing the sale and distribution of these alternatives in Canada. Their official stand is that the E-Cigarette has been marketed as a cessation device and therefor is not a reasonable source to quit smoking. This is not the case nor has it been marketed as such, but rather, as a safer alternative to smoking. The more conceivable reason that they are not permitted in Canada is due to the high tax rates tobacco products carry here in Canada. It makes more financial sense for the government to continue to tax tobacco products and smoking cessation products (nicotine gum, patches, the inhaler) then to allow a product that is untaxable into their country.
I find this an outrage, as a smoker and having tried the electronic cigarette. I feel as if my rights are being violated. I feel that Canadians should be offered a smoking alternative as successful as this. I feel as if the government and big tobacco should no longer profit off our addictions and illnesses.
17. Stop smoking in public places in NZ
Many people may chose to smoke but for those who don't and are walking down the street and people are smoking they shouldn't have to put up with that.
Lebanon is a country that live at high risk because of the environmental effects in the form of increasing air, water, and land pollution.
Smoking is one of the high risks that Lebanese are exposed to. It is necessary to give a serious anti-smoking education, provided in ways that reflect Lebanese cultures and experiences. It is best to provide an anti-tobacco education in a variety of ways and places & look forward that the Ministry of Health help in this matter.
1. Exposure to second hand smoke has been proven to increase the risk of cancer in those who are exposed.
2. There is no completely safe level of exposure to second hand smoke.
3. Many people are sensitive to smoke and develop coughing, teary eyes, runny nose and chest tightness.
4. Smokers develop preventable illness that costs all of us in higher insurance premiums due to the higher cost of their healthcare.
5. Smokers contribute to the rubbish on campus which diminishes the beauty of the campus and results in higher clean-up costs.
6. 75% of Australian National University students do not smoke at all.
7. Smoking materials are the biggest cause of residence hall fires on campuses across the nation.
8. Smoke-free campuses can actually help smokers decrease their level of smoking and improve their health.
9. Non-smokers are 40% less likely to become smokers if they live in smoke-free residence halls.
10. Other Universities such as Adelaide University are leading the way in creating healthy, smoke-free campus environments.
There is no law that provides for smoking as a right. Every student has a right to pursue an education at a public institution in a healthy and safe environment. Every employee has a right to work in a safe and healthy environment.
Health Department Warning: Smoking causes peripheral vascular disease
Health Department Warning: Smoking causes emphysema
Health Department Warning: Smoking causes mouth and throat cancer
Health Department Warning: Smoking clogs your arteries
Health Department Warning: Smoking - a leading cause of death
Health Department Warning: Quitting will improve your health
20. Stop People From Smoking In Childrens' Homes
While it is no secret that second hand smoke poses serious health risks to those who breath it, people continue to smoke in their homes, putting their loved ones in harms way.
Helpless children lay sleeping in their beds at night, breathing in the poisons and toxins of second hand smoke.
Dear Gaga,
Those of us who love you and your music constantly hear you talk about smoking and even reference it in your music/performances. This may seem trivial - after all, holding a cigarette in your hand adds to your edgy image - but are you ever going to quit?
We consider you our rock and think you are strong, but the reason we feel so strongly about you begins with the way you love yourself. And if you love yourself and your voice and your body - and us - we are hoping you will try to stop smoking. Your little monsters care about you more than you know, Gaga. Please be careful.
One of the truly evil monsters that kills people every day is smoking.
We love you.
22. Ban Smoking in Cars Carrying Animals
Animals can get cancer from second hand smoke the same way humans can.
23. Keep Smoking Cessation / Nicoteen Addiction Services open to public
The governments of Canada is terminating funding for smoking cessation programs. Nicotine patches, prescription medications and other quit-smoking aids are out of reach for many British Columbia Ministry of Health Services recipients.
24. Help Support Our Freedom Of Choice
The Declaration of Independence states:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
However, on January 2, 2010, after being signed into law by Governor Bev Perdue on May 19, 2009, North Carolina Session Law 2009-27 went into effect, banning smoking statewide in all bars and restaurants in North Carolina, as well as in government buildings and vehicles.
According to the bill, it is the intent of the General Assembly to protect the health of individuals in public places and places of employment and riding in State government vehicles from the risks related to secondhand smoke.
While NC SESSION LAW 2009-27 HOUSE BILL 2 is intended to protect smokers and non-smokers from the effects of secondhand smoke, this bill infringes on the personal rights and freedom of choice for business owners and their customers.
Although violation of this bill does not hold a criminal charge, the $200 per day fine for business owners that do not comply (in order to appeal to their loyal smoking clientele) will drastically hurt business profits in an already suffering economy. Customers in violation will also face a hefty fine of up to $50, which is a steep cover charge. Many smokers that are not ready to be “forced” to quit will opt to find forms of entertainment in an alternate environment, rather than supporting a discriminating non-smoking atmosphere and being made to feel like an outcast. It is very apparent that a number of the small businesses that work to make America what it is, are going to have a tough battle to even keep their doors open.
While it is completely understandable that non-smokers should have the right to gather in public locations and not be involuntarily exposed to secondhand smoke, it should also be understandable that smokers should be allowed the same right to assemble in locations clearly marked as smoker-friendly establishments.
It is critical that these decisions are allowed to be made by the business owners and customers that support them, rather than the government. It is the owner’s responsibility to serve their customers to the best of their ability. The income that they generate (or do not generate) directly affects their livelihood as well as state revenue via taxes needed to support government affairs.
Taken from Section 1 of the 14th Amendment: “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States”
NC SESSION LAW 2009-27 HOUSE BILL 2 clearly conflicts with the above reference, by not allowing business owners to cater to the clientele of their choice.
Rights of choice are often not missed until they are gone, and rights that are not frequently used may not be missed at all by those that are not using them. However, a right of choice is one of the greatest attributes of this country. The right to choose to bear arms, the right to choose to speak freely, the right to choose to assemble, and so forth, may not be used by all of us, but a loss of any of these rights would be detrimental to all of us.
The 18th Amendment abolished our right to manufacture, sale, or transport intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes. We stood up for our rights then, and repealed it with the 21st Amendment. Thanks to our alliance, we now have the right to responsibly enjoy a beverage of our choice.
The elimination of the right for a business owner to operate under their own business model, and cater to the customers of their choice is being taken away with NC SESSION LAW 2009-27 HOUSE BILL 2. This is an unconstitutional act, and I ask your help in saving this right, even if it is one that you do not use.
Detailed information regarding NC SESSION LAW 2009-27 HOUSE BILL 2 can be found at:
http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2009/Bills/House/PDF/H2v10.pdf
25. Stop unfair campus smoking policies
As of July 1st 2007 NC Universities were given the right to regulate smoking at properties owned or leased by the university.
Appalachian State took full advantage of this and, as of January 2008, had banned smoking within 50 feet of all campus buildings. The high annual rainfall and atrocious winter weather of Boone make for an unpleasant outdoor smoking environment. Ashtrays and cigarette receptacles were removed from building entrances and put "wherever possible".
Simply put, reinstallation of the ashtrays was neglected and now our campus is severely lacking in this area. Cigarette butts are piling up, while the lack of ashtrays tempts smokers to use trash cans instead causing a fire hazard.
26. Help create smoking cessation programs for pregnant smokers
Senator Denise Harper Angel, in Kentucky, has introduced
BR11 which states the following:
Amend KRS 205.560 to require smoking cessation programs or treatment interventions for pregnant smokers to be in accordance with protocols and guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
More than 2,500 chemicals are present in cigarette smoke. Even though the chemicals that are directly harmful to the developing baby are not known, nicotine and carbon monoxide cause unpleasant pregnancy outcomes. In the United States, at least 10 percent of women smoke while pregnant. If all pregnant women in the US stopped smoking, there would be an estimated 11 percent reduction in stillbirths and a 5 percent reduction in newborn deaths.
More than 2,500 chemicals are present in cigarette smoke. Even though the chemicals that are directly harmful to the developing baby are not known, nicotine and carbon monoxide cause unpleasant pregnancy outcomes.
Smoking while pregnant causes many birth defects:
1. It doubles the risk of having a low-birth weight baby (weighing less than 5 1/2 pounds).
2. It slows the growth of the fetus.
3. It increases the risk of premature birth.
4. It increases the risk of serious health problems during the newborn period.
5. It can ultimately cause chronic lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and learning problems, and even death.
Smoking while pregnant causes pregnancy complications and doubles the risk of developing placental problems:
1. Placenta previa which is a low-lying placenta that covers part or all of the opening of the uterus;
2. Placental abruption, in which the placenta peels away, partially or almost completely, from the uterine wall before delivery.
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence, good smoking cessation programs give 20 to 40 percent of participants courage to quit smoking. Statistics show that if all pregnant women in the US stopped smoking, there would be an estimated 11 percent reduction in stillbirths and a 5 percent reduction in newborn deaths.
All information courtesy of www.marchofdimes.com
As advocates for pregnant women, especially teens, we want to eliminate the presence of smoking pregnant women. Education will, through this bill, and must be presented to those who are unaware of what their smoking habits are doing to their unborn child.
27. Move smokers from cnr of Herston & Bowen Bridge rds
On January 1 2005, the Queensland government placed a ban on smoking within 4 metres of an entrance to non-residential enclosed premises, to prevent smoke from drifting indoors.
However, since this act was passed smokers have become more prominent on footpaths, which exposes pedestrians who walk past. A particular example of this is near the corner of Herston Rd and Bowen Bridge Rd outside QIMR and Block 7 of the RBWH. This section of footpath where smokers congregate is narrow which makes it hard for pedestrians to avoid the inhalation of second-hand smoke. These pedestrians are not only hospital and research staff, but may also include pregnant women, adult and children patients of the RBWH and RCH and their families and visitors.
Suggestion:
There is a pedestrian island across Herston Rd (at the traffic lights, near Kings Parking) which could potentially accommodate smokers, while reducing second-hand smoke from the main thoroughfare. This is a feasible alternative if smokers stick to the carpark side of the island, away from the traffic lights.
Other suggestions are welcome.
28. Have Smoking Areas in Schools
Too many students are smoking in areas in school and leaving their butts on the ground. If we have smoking areas with smoking bins it will help the earth and more people will be happy.
- Every year, in Europe, more than 19,000 non-smokers die because of passive smoking!
- Risk of heart disease increases by 25% for those exposed to second-hand smoke.
- 85% of cigarette smoke is produced between puffs.
- 10 times more people die from second-hand smoke inhaled at home than at work.
- Banning smoking in public places reduces lung cancer by 8% and asthma or chronic bronchitis by up to 30%.
- Children under 5, in 3rd World countries have to work on farms and in factories to collect tobacco and produce cigarettes all day, just to get paid in cigarettes which they eventually become addicted to.
For more information and help about Quitting, Passive Smoking, Not Starting etc. Please Go to www.help-eu.com or http://smokefree.nhs.uk/
30. Associated Student, Inc. Early Childhood Education Center-Smoking Area Petition
Dear Parents and Friends,
Many of you may be aware that students frequently smoke on or near the Associated Student, Inc. Early Childhood Education Center's grounds. This has been an ongoing concern among parents and staff at the center because of second-hand smoke being in close proximity to the infant room and outdoor play areas.
Campus police have recently stepped up their efforts to help enforce designated smoking area requirements; however, this has thus far been an ineffective solution.
By signing this petition, we will be taking a proper first step in encouraging the University to relocate the existing smoking area near the intersection of State Dr. and Lake Merced Blvd. to a more ideal location. Your support on this important matter is greatly appreciated.
-David Perrin