Smoking conversation questions

Smoking

 * Do you smoke? If so, would you like to give up?
 * If you smoke, how old were you when you started smoking?
 * Why did you start smoking, or why do you think people start smoking?
 * In some countries and sectors of society, smoking is actually increasing. Which of the following would be the best way to reduce smoking? What would the advantages or disadvantages in each case?
 * Increase the price of cigarettes.
 * Make smoking illegal.
 * Launch a public health campaign.
 * Limit smoking to very specific areas.
 * Something else.
 * How do you react to cigarette smoke in your environment?
 * It is sometimes claimed that smokers are more tolerant than non-smokers. While they are almost certainly more tolerant of cigarette smoke - do you think they are more tolerant in a more general sense?  If so, in what way?

Smoking and the law

 * Cigarette smoke contains poison gases, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, hydrogen cyanide, and ammonia. Under what circumstances is it legal to smoke and put these toxins into the atmosphere in your country?
 * Do most people obey no-smoking restrictions where they exist in your country? Is there much social pressure to obey them?
 * Do you know of anybody having been prosecuted for smoking in a prohibited area? What happened?
 * The European Union is considering European legislation to harmonise smoking policies. Would this be a good idea?  What would the advantages or disadvantages be?
 * Many people feel that individuals should have the right to commit suicide. If individuals should have they right to commit suicide then why shouldn't they have the right to smoke?
 * Smoking in the presence of babies and young children damages their lungs and may make them more likely to develop a nicotine habit. What would be the best way to reduce this activity?
 * A pregnant woman who smokes damages someone in addition to themselves - their baby. Why isn't it illegal for pregnant women to smoke?
 * Lighting and smoking a cigarette is a distraction while driving no matter how experienced a driver may be. What do you think about the suggestion that smoking and driving should be made illegal?
 * Many years ago people used to smoke in cinemas, buses, trains, aeroplanes, in restaurants, at work, etc. Now each country has different laws and customs about where it is legal or socially permitted to smoke.  Where do people smoke and not smoke in your country?
 * In an ideal world, should smokers have the right to smoke wherever it is not expressly prohibited: or would it be better to only allow smoking where it is expressly permitted?

Smoking and the health

 * How many illnesses are caused by smoking?
 * What do you think about the concept of passive smoking?
 * Should people who work in smoky environments be allowed (or obliged) to wear oxygen masks? Why, why not?
 * What do you think about the suggestion that smokers should pay more for health insurance?
 * It has been suggested that smokers should receive less aid from state medical services? What is your opinion?

Smoking and the state

 * Smokers save the state money because they die earlier and so don't claim a pension from the state. Should the state encourage smoking for this reason?
 * The state makes far more money in tax from the sale of cigarettes than the cigarette manufacturers make from the sale of cigarettes. Does this mean that the state should be responsible for compensating smokers who become ill?