Nuisance smokers - step #3

Use the 'stop the plume' argument  
 
Plumes are an important concept that we feel Australians should use more effectively when dealing with nuisance smokers. For industrial accidents, factory fires, toxic spills and such, tracking and managing toxic plumes is paramount.  

As another example, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster is perhaps the most serious plume incident in world history due to the concentration and volume of radioactive particles that have been ejected and continue to be released into the atmosphere.

Environmental Protection Authorities are usually responsible for dealing with plumes that are a serious threat or hazard. Keep in mind that as 1% of the deaths in the world can now be attributed to passive smoking, it becomes obvious that a plume from cigarettes is a nuisance and a hazard and should be declared illegal when it infringes on the health and safety of others.

To illustrate a serious weakness in Australia’s laws, consider that it would be illegal for a farmer to spray pesticides or insecticides into their neighbour’s property. However, with few exceptions, State and Federal Australian laws do not yet consider it illegal for a nuisance smoker to flood their neighbours’ house and property with smoke, ash, carbon monoxide and toxic carcinogens.

Therefore we need to be more vigilant about not accepting the toxic plumes that nuisance smokers produce. Once you have documented and established the scale and seriousness of the smoke plume that you endure, you can then use this as an argument against the nuisance smoker. This argument should be given to Lessor’s and Landlords whenever the problem occurs.

Once you have your report well documented you may also consider visiting your local police station for their advice. If you can establish that the smoker is causing a serious nuisance and disturbance, the police may be able to visit the neighbour with you and ask them to reduce the volume, intensity and proximity of the smoke. If the smoker appears to be deliberately leaving live cigarettes burning in an effort to intimidate and harm, the police may consider that instance an attempt to disturb the peace – this will be a matter for the police to decide if they are able to help you.

Whatever you do, do not unnecessarily burden the police force: what we are talking about is walking in to your local police station with a smile and asking if they might be able to help you. Do not consider calling 000 unless there has been a serious act of violence or if there is a genuine threat to life and property. Our Australian police forces are excellent and deserve respect and the freedom to do their jobs properly.