Carcinogen-in-a-Can
CMAJ 1998;159:441
See also:
Charlotte Gray's article "Secondhand-smoke story goes up in flames" (CMAJ 1998;158[9]:1178-80 [full text]) demonstrated how entirely debased the pro-smoking lobby can be, and it also outlined the problems that can arise when scientific reasoning is applied to what is primarily an ethical problem. To demonstrate just how unsound arguments in favour of smoking in public can be, complete the following simple thought experiment.
Imagine finding a novel carcinogen that at modest levels clearly, in the words of the tobacco industry, is only "associated" with lung cancer in animals and humans when inhaled as an aerosol. Reduce the concentration down a notch or two, and then package the carcinogen in an inert and harmless base in an aerosol container. This new product can be marketed as Carcinogen-in-a-Can (CIAC).
It is simple to use the product. When people near you light up, simply whip out your CIAC and spray it liberally in their direction, providing the necessary reassurance that although the agent has been associated with lung cancer in rats and humans, studies to date have not conclusively demonstrated that the agent causes cancer when inhaled at low levels. In the event that low levels are shown to be harmful, you can simply reduce the concentration of the product, arguing once again that it is now safe.
It is possible that the smokers near you will be upset by your apparently thoughtless and self-centred behaviour, but they will undoubtedly be relieved to hear that this senseless and ill-mannered act gives you substantial enjoyment. (The more individuals who use CIAC, the more acceptable its use will become.)
To argue that smokers should have a "right" to expose others to a known carcinogen simply to satisfy their desire for a cigarette defies any system of ethical reasoning. In a civilized society, the ability of any individual to interfere with the well-being of another stops at the skin — which is why there never has been and never will be a rational argument in favour of smokers having a widespread right to smoke in public.
Stephen Workman, MD
MSc student
Joint Centre for Bioethics
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ont.
stephen.workman@utoronto.ca
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