Historical Context
Tobacco one of the major leading causes of preventable and premature death, accounting for an estimated 443,000 American deaths in the United States each year or one out of every five deaths. These deaths are due to preventable conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases including emphysema, pneumonia, and chronic airway obstruction. No other risky, self-indulgent addictive behaviors directly endanger bystanders as much as cigarette smoking or tobacco use endangers nonsmokers through secondhand tobacco smoke or inhaled environmental tobacco smoke (Oriona, 2009).
According to the Center for Disease Control nearly 24.6% high school students have used at least some type of tobacco product. More than 80% of adult smokers begin smoking by 18 years of age with 99% of first use by 26 years of age. In …show more content…
Is the banning of tobacco related products on University grounds ethically justifiable in the name of public health protection? Public health is primarily concerned with the health of the entire population rather than the individual health of individuals. Because this policy affects all individuals located on university grounds or events this policy is a form of hard paternalism (Oriona, 2009). Although this policy infringes on the autonomy of smokers and potential smokers it in effect limits exposure to smoking and promotes the health of nonsmokers. Because the University’s policy does not ban smoking in its entirety the ethics behind their policy can be justified by utilitarianism and the Harm Principle. The Harm Principle states that any policy that interferes with the liberty of action can be rightfully exercised over others to prevent harm to others (Oriona, 2009). Smokers are still free to smoke; however, it must be in an environment that won’t harm others, such as their personal vehicle or off university