【正确答案】Gone are the days when smoking was considered fashionable and a measure of sophistication. These days, the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke are commonplace in the news and health related information. While smokers maintain that it is their personal choice and right to smoke, others state they need to look at the bigger picture. In the drawing, a man was smoking in the waiting room of the train station. The smoke was so choking that the old man and the boy sitting next to him were coughing. The young man standing before him was also disturbed, appearing disgusted with this extremly impolite behavior. In my opinion, smoking should be banned in public places and office buildings because of the dangers of second-hand smoke and the overall cleanliness of these places. First, second-hand smoke is dangerous to both smokers and non-smokers. Scientific research has shown that smoking increases the risk of cancer and other associated diseases. However, second-hand smoke is in fact even more dangerous than smoking. When considering the rights of others, this is an issue that can no longer be considered a matter of personal choice. If second-hand smoke is endangering the lives of people such as pregnant women and children, non-smokers should be protected from unnecessary health risks. Since smokers have access to private places, places that will not endanger the welfare of others, banning smoking in public places is a good idea. Next, cigarette smoke, ashes and cigarette butts can ruin the visual appeal of a building. Smoking areas have several common aspects, walls that are stained yellow and cigarette butts littering the ground. Besides the mess, there is also an awful stench that sticks to everything, including people. For a non-smoker this is something that can turn an excellent job in a dreaded one. Employees interviewed commonly state that the smell and mess of smoking areas make their workplace an unpleasant and awkward place. This awkwardness translates into lost productivity and increased inefficiency. Businesses and managers should ban smoking in office buildings to ensure optimal employee performance. In conclusion, while smokers have the right to smoke, they do not have the right to endanger others. Smoking in public areas and office buildings should be banned because of the dangers of second-hand smoke and the mess associated with smoking areas. Our society has to consider the rights of not only smokers, but non-smokers as well.