Editor,
Since the smoking ban at UNM has been put in place, most people who smoke have complied. Unfortunately, there are still the few who have no regard for this new rule, and with no enforcement why should they? I would like to raise an issue of concern to those who still smoke outside of the designated areas, especially those who walk to class while smoking. It never seems to fail that everyday I get caught in the wake of smoke by smokers walking in front of me.
As a student who has asthma, like many people in this state, I find this to be a violation of my right to breath clean air and be healthy. For some people with severe asthma, cigarette smoke can set off an attack and put people in the ER.
If you choose to poison your lungs, that is your choice and right. You can do so at home, in your car and in designated areas. You however do not have the right to endanger the lives and well-being of other people. I am not saying that people who smoke are doing this intentionally, you probably have never thought of it that way before. So please consider the health and well-being of others before you decide to light up in an undesignated area. Others and myself would greatly appreciate not having to try to hold our breaths until the smoke passes. Thank you.
Sara Grover
UNM student
