Nonsmokers' Rights

IN 1964, the Surgeon General of the United States reported that tobacco smoke could be harmful to the smoker. Since then, the proportion of adults who smoke cigarettes has decreased. In 1975, thirty-four percent of persons 20 years of age or older smoked cigarettes.¹The percentage of physicians, dentists, and pharmacists who smoke has also decreased.²Recently, the nonsmoking majority has been asserting its right to breathe smoke-free air. This has resulted in numerous laws to restrict smoking in public places. The Howard County Experience One law, known as theHoward County Indoor Clean Air Act of 1977, requires restaurants, stores, offices, and many other public places in Howard County, Md, to provide separate areas for smokers and nonsmokers, or, if the business chooses, to prohibit smoking altogether. Diplomacy and tact were important in the presentation of evidence to the Council of Howard County, because one of the