IELTS writing 6

There are movements all over the world to prohibit smoking from buildings such as: restaurants, bars, clubs, offices, and other indoor spaces. People argue secondhand smoke is dangerous and that such laws protect public health.
To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Banning smoking in public places has been a controversial issue in the United States over the last few years. Fifteen states prohibit smoking in almost all public places including work places, restaurants, as well as pubs. I strongly believe that it is very wise to protect nonsmokers.

Everyone is aware of the fact that smoking tobacco products is harmful due to the ingredients that they contain. Tobacco smoke produces nearly 4000 different chemicals, such as nicotine, tar, and carbon monoxide. All of these chemicals and others like benzene, ethanol, and ammonia are extremely harmful or carcinogenic. Smoking causes many types of disease such as lung cancer, heart diseases, and respiratory infections.

What is worse, smoking not only harms the person who smokes it, but also harms other people. Many studies show that secondhand smoking is as harmful as smoking itself, if not worse. When a person smokes in public places, non-smokers are left with no choice but to inhale hazardous chemicals. Secondhand smoke causes nearly 3400 lung cancer deaths and 46000 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers each year in the United States alone. It is especially harmful to young children as well. Many children who are exposed to secondhand smoke suffer from illnesses such as respiratory tract infections and even sudden infant death syndrome.

In conclusion, smoking is so bad that the person smoking is destroying not only their own health, but also the health of others. People who choose to smoke have the right to make that decision. However, everyone else also has the right to live in a safe environment where they can lead healthy lives. Therefore, smoking should be banned in public places to protect other individual. (281 words)