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.

[exnavychick]

So I gathered. :( Look, no one in their right mind is going to say that smoking is GOOD for you (though it MAY have some beneficial side effects, there are also some not-so-good ones), but I think this kind of junk is taking things way too far.

Even if you eradicated smoking, ect., you're still going to see crime. I would think that would be self-evident. Ha! Apparently not.

[Protagoras]

The effects of secondhand smoke in the United States cost nearly $10 billion every year,

Cost who?

[Gabz]

Your math is as good as theirs :)

[Protagoras]

Hon, I am a mod.

Wow! How much do you earn for doing it? Did you have to go to school to learn how?

Inquiring minds want to know.

[CSM]

Yep. I did make a ton of assumptions! Goose and gander kinda thing.

[Protagoras]

Even if it didn't cost anything like this article asserts, it's not like non-smokers like to have smokers stinking up their immediate vicinity with their nasty habits. Take that sh*t somewhere else.

Alternately, you could refrain from going into businesses where smoking is allowed.

That way you won't stink up the immediate vicinity of people doing things which are none of your business. Maybe you should take your ----- somewhere else.

[Utmost Certainty]

I could and do refrain from entering said places. It's when my space gets interrupted with that disgusting filth by smokers who have no common courtesy for others, that I get irritated.

[CSM]

Your gonna hate your MOS, smelling all that smoke from gunpowder is gonna really irritate you. We better ban second hand smoke from munitions to ensure your sensitive nostrils aren't offended.

[Protagoras]

It's when my space gets interrupted with that disgusting filth by smokers who have no common courtesy for others, that I get irritated.

So, the place you describe has been designated "no Smoking" by the owners of the property? If so, you are rightfully irritated.

[Utmost Certainty]

Nah, I always enjoyed the smell of gunpowder.

[metesky]

From your link:

Criminals are, in other words, manufactured.

[Owl558]

"You're sure? I bet you can't site one instance."

Nope, that's why I called it an urban myth that people propogate without evidence.

[planekT]

I'd never heard of one (death), but I have sure heard a lot about the dangers of second hand smoke.

I'm a two pack a dayer myself. One of these days I may get around to quitting, but in the meantime I'm sick of the smoke Nazi's who give you a dirty look even if you light up outside.

Sheesh!

[Owl558]

"...I'm sick of the smoke Nazi's..."

I was a 1 packer for 25 years, but managed to quit about 3-years ago. I still lean in to catch that 2nd-hand smoke when around smokers, though. I'm with you. I was always happy to go outside to smoke and was very aware when smoking around people who didn't. I grew to enjoy the privacy that came with smoking and probably miss that the most.

[Just A Nobody]

Thanks for the ping! Missed you at lunch Tuesday - but we talked about you. ;*)

Glad to hear the cast came off - sorry about the crutches.

Also, sorry about this lame waste of print you pinged me to. LOL

[Gabz]

Missed you at lunch Tuesday - but we talked about you. ;*)

And I thought the buzzing in my ears was just the vibration of the ships passing in the channel in front of the deck we were sitting on :)

[Just A Nobody]

... the ships passing in the channel in front of the deck we were sitting on :)

Oh, that's low. Next time - lunch at your house??? ;*)

[winston2]

>Criminals are, in other words, manufactured.<

I don't find that any more amazing than the deliberate action of "hooking" young people on tobacco or other strongly addictive substances - thus subjecting them to a life of bondage to said substance and probable antisocial behavior which can guarantee a supply.

[Mears]

Man! You never would have survived during the prime years of The Greatest Generation.

Wimps seem to rule these days.

[Gabz]

Oh, that's low.

The sterns of the scallop boats coming in sure were!!!!!!!

Next time - lunch at your house??? ;*)

My FRiend - I was 15 miles from my house..........and about 5 hours from where you all were having lunch :)

Y'all are welcome here for lunch anytime..I'm no Martha Stewart in the housekeeping department, but I maintain an open door policy for friends and probably rival MS in being able to feed anyone who shows up at anytime !!!!!!!!!