Dear Editor:
I wish to convey my appreciation and support for your editorial on the health risks of and the nation's leading preventable source of disease and premature death associated with tobacco. While smoking may be legal for those 18 and over, and perceived by some as an individual right, shouldn't that personal right end when it imposes undue harm on others (as well as the individual smoker him/herself)?
Further, noting that large majority of the UNH college community does not smoke, shouldn't their health interests be respected? The goal on campus is to promote a healthy environment for all, to reduce the potential harm to all, and to promote a healthy place for students, faculty, and staff to engage in their work, study, and social interactions.
Finally, since research shows that the majority of smokers have expressed an interest in and have often faced unsuccessful attempts to stop smoking, we need to provide the supportive environment and personal health-related services to help those wanting to overcome their nicotine addiction to do so before they confront an array of serious health consequences that might be prevented in later life, if not immediately. Such was the intent of the UNH tobacco policy established several years ago and supported by former UNH President Leitzel (described in the Students Rights and Rules manual).
I applaud your efforts at increasing the awareness of this serious public health issue on our campus and throughout our country, and increasingly around the world.
Professor Marc Hiller UNH Department of Health Management and Policy
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