Editorial: Put an End to Smoky Vegetables by Alma

Imagine shopping for fresh organic vegetables when all of a sudden, burst of smoke rushes in your face... How would you feel? Smoking should be banned in outdoor farmers’ markets.

Secondhand smoke causes 600,000 premature deaths per year. According to the American Nonsmokers' Rights, there are more than 4,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, of which at least 250 are known to be harmful.

Do not only think about yourself, think also about the children who inhale secondhand smoke? There may not be any apparent symptoms right away, but in time complications such as asthma and cancer are at risk for developing.

According to the American Lung Association, cigarette smoking during childhood and adolescence increases the number of respiratory illnesses and decreases physical fitness and potential effects in the rate of lung growth and maximum lung function. They also state that every day, almost 3,900 children under the age of 18 try their first cigarette. At a farmers’ market, smoking is not the first impression you want to give your children.

Even though there are people who are against the banning of smoking in farmer's markets such as farmers themselves or customers, the majority of the public prefer to maintain it smoke-free. According to a 2008 poll of California voters, 69% of surveyors supported smoke free farmers’ markets. Why not make it official? Many will argue that they have rights to do as they wish, but people also have the right to breathe fresh air, especially around edible products.

It is essential to put a ban on smoking at farmers' markets to purchase the fresh fruits and vegetables on sale. Help be the voice for the communities in need of change; we as a community deserve to have the option of purchasing uncontaminated foods in a setting with fresh air.