Health risks of secondhand smoke

Tell them to get outside and deal with it, or at least open a window. What an absolute disgrace. 👎

neonstag63 said:I don't know—I get that you're tired of it, but would you honestly rather deal with being a nuisance or face actual health complications? 🤔
I suppose anyone would get fed up having to constantly tell people what not to do, but—don't you think it’s worth it this time? This isn't some trivial annoyance; we're talking about something vital—your health.

Is there really no law prohibiting smoking in office spaces? :you just can't ignore stuff like this: 🙈

You're right, both on that point and regarding me being annoying... But it's like they've become so used to my nagging that they just placate me, and then when I finally bring it up again, they say: WE'LL DO IT WHEN THE CEO STOPS, OR WHEN HE FINALLY TELLS US.
I've even spoken with the CEO, but since he's a smoker himself—and because most of them are—he's far too soft on the issue. And yeah, he's technically breaking the law, since those regulations are the same here in the States.
He once mentioned they'd work out a plan with me, but after that, he just avoids the subject whenever it comes up...

steelwalker26 said:Alex Gonzalez5,

it's like driving beasts out of their dens with smoke—that's how this feels. You really need to think about your standing at that company—if they actually valued you or respected you, they wouldn't be acting this way; they either need you or they're afraid of you. Honestly, it might be smartest to just start looking for a new job.

Aelia—we have a similar law here in the States, as mentioned earlier in this thread. Alex Gonzalez5 is currently in Canada.

You know, you're probably right! There's something there—likely buried deep in my subconscious. Though, I must say, you sounded pretty harsh, and you don't exactly come across as being in a friendly mood toward me—but hey, thanks for weighing in on the topic anyway!

coastalmason10 said:Tell them to just go outside and deal with it—or at least open a window—instead of being such rude, ill-mannered jerks. 👎

You hit the nail on the head here—it all comes down to upbringing. 🙂

Thanks

Read my last two posts again. Do you really think I’d write them if I didn't give a damn about you? I didn't throw 🙂 🙂 🎉 at you just for the hell of it. This is a legitimate issue, and the way they're treating you is unacceptable. You're an equal human being, and you have just as much right to health as anyone else at your company. It’s wrong that their addictions are actively harming yours.
Based strictly on what you’ve described—and my own experience dealing with smokers—I don't see a path to victory here. Every single one of them is stubborn and obnoxious, and when you factor in the CEO... honestly, walking away is probably your best move. You only get one life. You have to look out for yourself, because those smokers surrounding you certainly won't.

steelwalker26 said:Go back and read my last two posts—do you really think I’d write that if I weren't on your side? I didn't throw 🙂 🙂 🎉 at you because I think this is a massive issue, and frankly, the way they’re treating you is unacceptable. You are an equal human being—you deserve to be healthy just as much as anyone else at your firm—and it isn't right that their addictions are actively harming you.
But, honestly, based strictly on what you've told me and my own experience dealing with smokers... I don't think you're going to win this fight. Every single one of them is stubborn and difficult enough on their own, and when you factor in the CEO... it might just be better to walk away. You only get one life, and you have to look out for yourself—because those smokers around you certainly won't.

Oops, my bad—I missed the first post.
Thanks, friend 🙂

You're right, obviously... But finding a new job isn't exactly easy, you know? 🙄

Alex Gonzalez5 said:... But finding another job isn't exactly a walk in the park, you know 🙄

I hear you. But honestly? Finding your health again is a much harder climb.

I recently lost a family member to lung cancer. A smoker. Only in his fifties. He was a great man, gone way too soon.
You want to know the truly grim part? After the initial shock and grief wore off, both of his sons went right back to smoking. They want to quit, they really do, but they just can't. It’s like there's something in that nicotine that hijacks the brain.

So, get out while you still have the chance before it does permanent damage. Start looking around at where else you could land—maybe the universe will throw a better opportunity your way than you're even hoping for.

Alex Gonzalez5 said:they say: "WE'LL MOVE WHEN THE CEO SAYS SO" OR "WHEN HE GIVES THE ORDER"...

That’s a crystal clear message about how little you matter to them. It isn't me insulting you—it's your own colleagues doing the work. Why are you letting yourself be treated as if you're worth less than him? Don't let them get under your skin.

steelwalker26 said:I know it all too well—but honestly, finding good health is even harder.

I recently lost a family member to lung cancer—a smoker, in his fifties. He was a truly great man, gone far too soon.
You want to know what the most devastating part of this story is? Both of his sons—after the initial shock and grief—just kept smoking. They want to quit, I suppose, but they simply can't. It’s as if there is something in that tobacco that does profound damage to the brain itself.

So, please—get out now before things get much worse. Start looking around at where you could go instead; maybe the universe will decide to give you a better chance than you ever dared to hope for.

😢
I am convinced that cigarettes cause far more damage than we can even fathom—especially to the brain—it's just that those facts will never be fully released to the public, for very obvious reasons.
An example from my own circle:
I knew a guy who smoked five packs a day. He passed out once, and the doctor told him he had to stop immediately or his cholesterol would kill him. So, he stopped. Just like that.
Two years later, his tests came back perfect, and he started right back up again. Automatically.

I’ve definitely been through those stretches at certain companies, and honestly, it’s incredibly draining when you’re the only one speaking up. Dealing with constant friction multiple times a day really wears you down mentally, especially if you aren't someone who thrives on daily conflict. But the absolute worst part is just wondering why *I* have to be the one to handle it—having to deal with reckless addicts on a daily basis. When you're working five days a week, having those extra stressors piled on top of your actual job description is just too much if you value your mental health.

We once had this guy who refused to follow the rules regarding smoking; I remember talking to my manager about it—he was a non-smoker—and he ended up banning it. That colleague held a grudge for years after that. It was such a mess; imagine, he was forced to go out to the balcony just to smoke. ☕

Then, unfortunately, he developed lung cancer and passed away within six months. He was only 50.

Melissa James70 said:I’ve certainly dealt with those periods at previous companies—it is genuinely exhausting when you find yourself as the lone voice of reason, constantly pushing back multiple times a day. It takes a massive mental toll, especially if you aren't someone who thrives on daily conflict. And honestly—the worst part of it all—why should I be the one stuck handling that? Why am I expected to spend my time arguing with reckless addicts every single day? To have to deal with that five days a week, on top of my actual job description, is just an unnecessary burden—especially if you actually value your own sanity.

We once had this one guy who flat-out refused to be baptized—it was quite the ordeal. I actually ended up having a conversation with my boss about it at the time; he was a non-smoker, you see, and he strictly forbade it. Well, the colleague just dug his heels in right then and there—and honestly, he stayed stubborn for the next few years. It was a total disaster—imagine that—he was forced to go smoke out on the balcony just to get by. ☕

Then he was diagnosed with lung cancer—and just like that, six months later, he was gone. Fifty years old. Just gone.

I have absolutely nothing to say...

I appreciate you sharing this with us...

Alex Gonzalez5 said:You hit on the most important point: upbringing 🙂

Thanks

Thanks RekO 😁

coastalmason10 said:RekO 😁

Oh, pardon 🙂