How to Deal With Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is a hindrance to some and a serious medical issue to others. Statistics by the American Lung Association state that non-smokers are affected to some degree by secondhand smoke. There are a host of statistics that contradict each other on exactly how relevant the risks are or, to the opposite extreme, if there is a risk at all. Irregardless of the data debate, finding harmony between smokers and non-smokers is sure to be an ongoing struggle. How to deal with smokers in daily life can be tricky; but there are methods you can employ to reduce how much and how often you are subjected to secondhand smoking.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• The willingness to put avoidance over combativeness
• Keen observation of your surroundings

1. Society has been very aggressive in prohibiting smoking in most public venues. More and more frequently, smoking is being prohibited in many open areas such as parks. Even though smokers have been given their marching orders in the work place and in public areas, there will always be areas where smoking is permitted. Your first line of defense against secondhand smoke is avoidance.
2. If you are planning to attend a play or concert, the chances are almost zero that smoking will be permitted. However, most auditoriums or performance centers will have select smoking areas outside. If you are a non-smoker who is there with others who smoke, make a polite but direct point that you will wait for them in another area until they are finished smoking. Don't play the martyr who feels she must stand among the smoke. You will be bothered by it and your companions will feel uncomfortable as well. Also, if you enjoy certain activities such as karaoke or dancing, find a place that has no smoking or a designated no smoking section. Many sports bar still permit smoking, so if you are invited by friends, ask them ahead of time if smoking is allowed. If you are truly bothered by secondhand smoke, you might want to carefully consider going if it is not a non-smoking facility.
3. If you have a personal medical issue that is affected by tobacco smoke, usually you can express that to others and they will accommodate you. This is especially true if you are asking them not to smoke in your home, car, or office. Remember, many people are affected by a number of things they are forced to be exposed to in public, such as perfumes and colognes. They often have to ask for another seat in restaurants or move to another seat at church, etc., in order to protect themselves. You must take the same type of control over your own situation by moving or making a polite request.
4. There really isn't a way to "deal" with secondhand smoke, it is more about finding ways to handle it. The best non-smokers can hope for is continued legislation that keeps most enclosed pubic areas smoke-free. Non-smokers can also try to avoid tobacco smoke when possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out in advance if any event you are planning to attend is smoke-free.
• If you are going on a trip with several others, plan to ride with those who are non-smokers or take your own vehicle.
• Do not enter smoking areas and complain about the smoke. Doing so will create a combative atmosphere and you'll gain nothing beneficial.
• If you suffer from lung disease, heart disease, asthma, or other conditions that are highly affected by smoke. Make sure others around you are fully aware of it.