“Smoking has become so almost universal among men that the few non-smokers are practically ignored and their rights violated” (John Harvey Kellogg, Hirschfelder 146) A phenomenon which happens daily many people choke on a cloud of smoke, tasting and smelling its sour tobacco as it swirls in their lungs. Smoking in public is a problem that has plagued America for many decades, so commonplace at this point that it has become part of daily life for millions of people. Second-hand smoke, also known as second-hand smoke or environmental tobacco smoke, contains many chemical contaminants and is potentially fatal to anyone who inhales it. Yet lawmakers have often failed to deem it a significant threat to the public. Many people cite the freedom of the addict as one of their reasons for advocating allowing smoking in public. However, the rights of smokers have no more weight than the rights of the majority. Areas of Arizona that permit environmental tobacco smoke must be severely restricted, even at the risk of infringing on the rights of smokers, in order to limit undeniable risk factors, protect the fundamental rights of citizens, and discourage those who are currently smoking. The Smoke Free Arizona Act currently allows smoking in private residences, hotel and motel rooms, retail tobacco stores, private veterans and fraternal clubs, secluded outdoor patios, and during stage performances if it is part of the law (Smoke Free Arizona Law). Smoking is permitted outdoors anywhere within 20 feet of an entrance, window or other opening that may allow it to escape into an area where smoking is prohibited. These outdoor locations include parks, sidewalks, driveways, bus stops, outdoor patios and smoking areas...... middle of paper ......ion of Arizona. Internet. April 15, 2011. “Secondhand smoke.” What are the causes of cancer? November 9, 2010. n. page. American Cancer Society. Internet. April 20, 2011. “Anti-smoking laws encourage smokers to quit and discourage young people from starting. » Campaign for tobacco-free children February 9, 2011. n. page. National Cancer Institute. Internet. April 18, 2011. “State Summary-Arizona.” State of tobacco control n. page. 50. American Lung Association. Internet. April 18, 2011. “The Basics. » Let's purify the air November 17, 2010. Smoke-free Arizona. Internet. April 15, 2011. “The Basics. » Second-hand smoke November 17, 2010. n. page. Breathe California. Internet. April 18, 2011. “Tobacco Use and Smoking Statistics.” » Tobacco Treatment Center September 23, 2006. n. page. Cleveland Clinic. Internet. April 19, 2011. “What’s in a cigarette?” » From the first to the last ashes: the history, economics and dangers of tobacco August 3, 2006. n. page. Health Literacy. Internet. April 17 2011.