Cigarette Smoking

We’ll never be able to convince everyone that cigarette smoking is harmful to one’s health. The attempt to do so seems to be a waste of time. Anyone with a serviceable nose, however, would agree that cigarette smoke stinks. Many people who bathe regularly and wear clean clothes find cigarette smoke offensive.

Instead of a health warning on cigarette packages, perhaps the warning should state, “You may be held liable for dry cleaning expenses when smoking in the presence of others.” Well, why not? The threat of an additional out-of-pocket expense might deter smokers. How much does it cost to dry clean your clothes every day? (Should we also include the cost of shampoo?)

ROGER A. EVANS

Redondo Beach