Secondhand smoke costs nearly $10 billion in U.S.-study

Reuters ^ | 8/17/05

[Crackingham]

The effects of secondhand smoke in the United States cost nearly $10 billion every year, according to a study released on Wednesday. The Society of Actuaries said that the direct costs of secondhand smoke exposure are $4.98 billion, including expenses related to the treatment of heart disease, chronic pulmonary disease, lung cancer, asthma and other sicknesses. The study also detailed indirect costs of $4.68 billion, stemming from lost wages, reduced services and costs associated with disabilities.

"While the health effects of secondhand smoke are reduced in comparison to active smoking, the number of people exposed is so large that the costs are substantial," Society of Actuaries fellow Donald Behan said in a statement.

The group measured the costs by examining more than 200 studies that have been published since 1964 on the effects of environmental tobacco smoke.

[neksterbor]

And that makes you what? Smarter? Meaner?

[IIntense]

Congratulations on having the will power, or whatever, to quit. I'll go out on a limb and say that I think most smokers would say they wished they never started. I am sorry I did. My theory is that some personalities may find it easier to kick the habit than others.

Along with all the crap being shoved down our throats about hate crimes, political correctness, rights of homos to marry AND bring up children, some non-smokers think they can treat any one who smokes as some kind of pariah. They consider it their right (or moral duty) to chastise smokers.

In response, I would like to point out THEIR flaws; to mind their own business would be good for starters. Then I'd like to enlighten them on THEIR annoying traits.

[Smokin' Joe]

You can find too, tht probably upward of 90% of criminals ate bread and drank something containing water within 24 hours of their crime. I'd bet that sometime within 3 minutes of committing their crime they breathed air. I can see why stress levels increase, with all the arseholes out there pestering smokers pi$$less at every turn. Pass enough laws, and we can all be criminals. We're getting there.

[Owl558]

"...some non-smokers think they can treat any one who smokes as some kind of pariah."

These folks anger me as well, especially in light of the struggle that I went through. Worst of all - WORST - are the former smokers who feel they have liscence to lecture smokers on the "evil" habit.

[winston2]

You can find too, tht probably upward of 90% of criminals ate bread and drank something containing water within 24 hours of their crime.

I don't think we're on the same page.

Peace