Quit Smoking Now

Smoking is less socially acceptable now than ever.

Today, almost all workplaces have some type of smoking rules. Some employers even prefer to hire non-smokers. Studies show smoking employees cost businesses more because they are out sick more. Employees who are ill more often than others can raise an employer’s need for costly short-term replacement workers. They can increase insurance costs for other employees and for the employer, who often pays part of the workers’ insurance premiums. Smokers in a building also can increase the maintenance costs of keeping odors down, since residue from cigarette smoke gets into to carpets, drapes, and other fabrics.

Smoking in banned in most public elementary and secondary school buildings and, in many states it’s banned on school campuses. It’s common for colleges and universities to have no-smoking policies for all campus buildings, including residential housing. And some are moving toward smoke-free campuses, too.

Landlords may choose not to rent to smokers since maintenance costs and insurance rates may go up when smokers live in buildings.

Friends may ask you not to smoke in their homes or cars. Public buildings, concerts, and even sporting events are largely smoke-free. And more and more communities are restricting smoking in all public places, including restaurants and bars. Like it or not, finding a place to smoke can be a hassle.

Smokers may also find their prospects for dating or romantic involvement, including marriage, are largely limited to other smokers. Cigarette smokers now make up about 19% of the adult population.