Smoking Free New York City - Term Paper Example

Smoking Free New York City Introduction The widespread smoking environment has not only polluted the environment but also has created problems for the human beings. The smoker itself faces the wrath of numerous lungs diseases besides due to passive smoking; many non smokers have to face the heat too. The prevalent smoking scenario in New York City polluted the whole surroundings. Smoke through traffic and cigarettes’ caused numerous diseases among the common men. The movement for making NYC as smoking-free city started, and fruits of this movement were cherished in 2003. Government prohibited smoking in the public areas as escalating pollution problems, mounting diseases and increase in death rate of citizens activated healthcare organizations to raise voice. Fine of $50 was imposed on the law violators (Adams and Malarcher, 2012). The movement brought considerable results as huge majority of the individuals immediately stopped smoking in public areas but after few months; people were back on track again. Violation of law started again and smoking scenario can be seen in the city. The amount is not that paramount though but pollution in the city is rising due to this problem. People do not smoke in public parks, public transport, and bars but on pedestrian trails; smokers are found (Patel, Thomson and Wilson, 2012). The purpose of this paper is to highlight the problem of smoking in NYC. What is the importance and significance of this problem and what measures are essential to eradicate this problem. The movement started in the recent years along with public response is illustrated in this paper. Moreover critical analysis is exemplified for precise understanding about the issue. Importance and Significance The creation of law of non smoking in 2003 had strong basis of the death of 50,000 individuals per annum. The 14 miles beaches of the city beside 1700 parks were declared non smoking areas. The City Council of New York passed the law by keeping in view casualties of several individuals. Smoking was banned on pedestrian walk through, bars, shopping malls too. Respiratory infections, lungs cancer, asthma and cardio vascular diseases emerged due to cigarette smokers. Smokers lay negative impact on the society too. People are not able to enjoy on public spots due to smoking and even pessimistic message is taken by the children (Ossad, 2011). The law against smoking free NYC was formulated in 1988 but amendments in it continued for three consecutive times. Lately in 2003, the law was enforced vibrantly into the city. The rise of this critical issue was important because of increasing pathetic condition of citizens. Non-smokers had to face the consequences of smokers because of passive smoking. The cigarette smoke remains in the air for a while due to which non-smokers present or passing through grudgingly inhale smoke. The inhaling of cigarette smoke eventually evolves several health problems for masses. The growing death rate basically stimulated New York City Council to amend law swiftly and impose on the violators too. The Mayor of NYC, Bloomberg is appreciated for taking courageous decisions about implementing this law dynamically into the city. His first term of 2003 basically defined amended Smoking Free Act (Guydish and Chan, 2012). Core Issues The quality of healthcare facilities available in United States is not up to mark. The country has been criticized for providing low quality healthcare facilities to citizens at higher costs. The affordability of healthcare charges is impossible for people in current economic circumstances therefore most of the people are not health insured. The report circulated by World Health Organization advocates that United States is providing lowest quality of healthcare among developed countries. On the other hand, charges paid by an average American on healthcare are the most in the world. Healthcare facilities in big cities such as Washington, New York City, Chicago and Los Angeles are stated to worst because of enormous population (Jacobs and Skocpol, 2012). Keeping in mind the healthcare circumstances of the country; smoking free NYC is indispensible. People are already facing economic problems and unnecessary healthcare problem due to smoking would put more burdens on them. The decrease in death rate after the implementation of anti smoking law is deemed. Around 10,000 pre-mature deaths have been prevented due to the implementation of law in its true spirits. General public has been applauding Bloomberg for taking essential steps to eradicate smoking curse from the city. The support of humanitarian foundations, NGO’s and general public in making NYC smoking free city is highly praised by the mayor of NYC (John, Coady and Kansagra, 2013). Treatment and Public Response Few of the smoker citizens of NYC have been found violating law openly. The smoking cases are often seen in public parks and beach. Moreover on pedestrian walking trails, smokers are found smoking. The issue has been emerging again although strong instructions by Bloomberg are given to law enforcers to catch violators. General public wants the implementation of law in its true spirits but open violation by certain individuals has raised questions on the implementation of law. American Lung Association, Community Service Society, New York Public Interest Research Group and Asian Americans for Equality have been striving for the eradication of smoking curse from the city. People have been gathered to educate about smoking problem. Walks and general public awareness programs are held in which masses are communicated through different mediums (NYC Coalition 2013). Billboard advertising against smoking has been incorporated at prominent localities of the city too. The intention remains to acknowledge masses about results of smoking. Smokers are requested to give free assistance by several activists too. Bloomberg has been making revolutionary steps to eliminate cigarette totally from the city. The new proposal floated by Bloomberg advocates open selling of cigarettes to be banned. Cigarettes need to be kept inside so that public viewing would not be possible. Shopkeeper should give cigarettes to the customer upon his request. The purpose of floating this suggestion actually dictates that such measures would decrease smoking ratio in the city. Smokers would be reluctant in their purchase decisions and eventually smoking rate would be decreased. The commencement of ten years of smoking free law implementation in NYC has strengthened Bloomberg’s position in the city. Tremendous support of general public is the key factor of his dominant position in the city. Furthermore Bloomberg asked to make $10.50 cigarette pack price. According to him increase in pricing will influence purchase decisions (Allen, 2013). Critical Analysis Smoking has raised copious problems in the world. Ozone layer is damaging because of smoke, pollution and dust. The environment is profoundly contaminated and grimy because of smoking. The rising smoking activities need some serious actions by the mayor in this critical point. Imprisonment for more than a week upon the violation of law would actually reinforce the law in its true spirits. The problem of healthcare needs special attention because human conditions are the foremost important thing. The implementation of law has reduced death rate per annum dramatically. Now the victims of smoking deaths are smokers only. Passive smoking has been diminishing by the rule of law. However smokers have started to started smoke again in some public localities which must be stopped. Conclusion The citizens of New York are well aware about their rights and duties. Americans believe in the rule of law at every state therefore crucial measures by the general public must need to be taken too. People should humiliate individuals who are found smoking in public areas. Law enforcers should be called immediately after observing such circumstances. The steps taken by Bloomberg in the past ten years clearly indicate his intentions of making NYC smoking free city from all aspects. The newly suggested notion by Bloomberg is under great pressure from some opponents. Retailers and suppliers are not satisfied with such kinds of potential measures. The increase of minimum price of cigarettes is also vital recommendation by the mayor of City. References Adams, E. K., & Malarcher, A. M. (2012). Reducing prenatal smoking: The role of state policies. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 43(1), 34-40. Allen, J. (2013). New York City marks 10th anniversary of smoking ban, Yahoo News, Retrieved on April 3, 2013 Guydish, J., & Chan, M. (2012). The New York policy on smoking in addiction treatment: findings after 1 year. Journal Information, 102(5). Jacobs, L. R., & Skocpol, T. (2012). Health care reform and American politics: what everyone needs to know. Oxford : Oxford University Press. Johns, M., Coady, M. H., & Kansagra, S. M. (2013). Evaluating New York City’s smoke-free parks and beaches law: A critical multiplist approach to assessing behavioral impact, American journal of community psychology, 51(1-2), 254-263. NYC Coalition (2013). Smoke-free city. Retrieved on April 3, 2013 Ossad, J., (2011). New York City Smoking ban begins, CNN, Retrieved on April 3, 2013 Patel, V., Thomson, G., & Wilson, N. (2012). Smoking increases air pollution levels in city streets: Observational and fine particulate data. Health & Place. Read More