Honorable Council:

As smoking rates have decreased from 50% of the population who smoke to 25% of the population who smoke, the rates of asthma and other diseases that are supposed to be smoking related are on the rise. This is partly caused by our nearly hysterical fear of pathogens so we gain no immunities, and partly caused by ventilation rates and lack of air exchange in our modern buildings. Before smoking was banned in workplaces, the official indoor air quality ventilation standard was 60cfm, without smoking it is 20cfm. That's a huge difference. As vent rates continue to decrease, we are exposed to concentrations of bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, amoebae, dust mites, and cockroach feces, etc, along with the chemicals inherent in the building materials.

In nonsmoking airliners, TB is making a comeback and who knows how many other illnesses are being recirculated throughout.

I don't smoke, but personally, I'd prefer to allow smoking and put the ventilation rates back where they provide at least some protection. We have thrown the baby out with the bathwater, and I only hope you are wise enough to see that.

Sincerely,