Melbourne has the highest density of observable smokers than any other city I have stayed in before. Today, my brother and I walked to the city to buy Japanese rice and yaki nori. Along the way, we saw smokers everywhere. The air is constantly filled with fresh tar and nicotine filled fumes.
Most smokers are university students and some are middle aged people. In addition, there appear to be an equal number of men and women who smoke.
It is a disgusting habit and the fumes make the streets smell bad. The city already reeks of sulphur compounds from exhaust pipes--cigarette fumes are NOT welcome additions. It is difficult to stroll around Melbourne constantly fanning the smell away. Furthermore, the bad smell ruins the otherwise sweet-smelling Australian air. There are many times when I walk along Lincoln square when it is tranquil and take a deep breath only to choke halfway because a smoker suddenly appears out of nowhere puffing like a chimney.
The Australian government should campaign against smoking and educate the public about it's debilitating effects. Most people are aware of the dangers, i.e. LUNG CANCER, HEART ATTACK, ETC. However, many do not grasp their severity. There is great effort to warn Australians against sunbathing or general over-exposure to the sun due to pernicious ultra violet rays but nothing against smoking!
Must the Australian government have an outstanding death toll for smoking just like there is one for melanoma before any action is taken?
Perhaps the government could argue that smoking is only an indirect cause of such diseases and other factors such as lifestyle also play their parts. Certainly. However, I doubt this habit is overlooked when a smoker is admitted to a hospital for any of the diseases caused, however indirectly, by smoking.
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