Smokers on streets

As if it wasn't enough of dealing with the air pollution due to the public transport, nowadays, people have to confront with the smokers on the streets.

Smoking is a huge problem in our society, according to Irish Cancer Society, each year at least 5,200 people die from diseases caused by tobacco use. This represents approximately 19% of all deaths.

The breakdown of the 5,200 deaths is as follows: *Cancers (44%) *Circulatory diseases (30%) *Respiratory disease (25%) *Digestive diseases (1%).

Even though, Ireland has the fourth-lowest smoking rate in the European Union, and also, the ban on smoking in the workplace since 2014. According to a major EU survey on tobacco consumption across Europe, 13% of Irish people reported being exposed to at least occasional tobacco smoke at their job. And yes! smokers are everywhere! we can see them at stoplights, strolling in the parks and standing outside of buildings. I can understand individuals are not allowed to smoke in an enclosed place like offices, pubs, restaurants, and also public transport, however, smoking affects not only those who smoke but non-smokers who breathe in other people’s tobacco smoke. According to the Department of Health, a non-smoker living with a smoker has a 25 percent increased a risk of lung cancer and a 30 percent increased a risk of heart disease. I want to mention that smokers have to be aware of children and teenagers are the main victims, they may be particularly at risk of lung cancer later in life and other respiratory problems like asthma. In fact, most smokers want to quit because they are concerned for their health, however, making people quit smoking is an unreal reality that will only stay on a new years resolutions list for most.