Anti-Smokers Ignore Evidence

The Crimson's support of the proposal before the Cambridge City Council that would eventually ban smoking in the city's restaurants bases that support on the consideration of public health (staff editorial, Feb. 28). There is evidence, however, that the case against smoking is exaggerated.

A Boston Globe article reported that Japan, which has the world's highest rate of smoking, leads the entire world in life expectancy. The article went on to report that the size of Japan's lead in longevity over the rest of the world, according to the World Health Organization, has increased each year for the last eight. The heavy-smoking Japanese, American heart Association figures show, have the world's lowest death rate from heart disease. Another Globe article pointed out that although a much higher percentage of Japanese men smoke than American men, the incidence of lung cancer among Japanese men is slightly lower.

If smoking is as important a factor in shortened life, heart disease and lung cancer as is perceived, how can the Japanese with such a high rate and such a long history of smoking enjoy such good health?

There is also evidence, published in newspapers and magazines such as the New York Times, Forbes and The New Scientist, that smoking can promote concentration, relaxation and weight control as well as help prevent certain diseases, such as endometrial cancer, ulcerative colitis, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Peter Whitehouse, director of the Alzheimer's Center at the University Hospital of Cleveland, stated that there is a property in nicotine that helps to support brain cells and prevent them from dying.

Anti-smoking zeal influences persons to ignore evidence that does not support the anti-smoking cause. This zeal is a threat to personal freedom and produces the desire to penalize those who do not conform. Outlawing restaurants and their patrons the liberty to set their own policy as to smoking is wrong. Stephen Helfer   Harvard Law Library   International Legal Studies