Smoking opinion

My opinion on smoking differs from what I have read or heard. I believe at birth our bodies have weak spots, and regardless of what we do or how we live our lives, those weak spots will probably develop into some kind of cancer, asthma, allergy, emphysema, etc. We just do not know when.

The chemicals and petroleum products in carpets, drapes, upholstery and paneling have an effect on our health. Even central heating and air systems affect our health through the recycling of pollens, dust, etc. throughout our homes and work places.

The weak spots in our body will surface sometime in our lifetime, some sooner than others. I believe smoking does not cause any illness, but I do believe smoking may cause an illness to surface sooner than it probably would have.

I raised five children, and four of them smoke. I smoked cigarettes around them during all of their growing years, and none have any health problems. Why?

I smoked two packs of nonfiltered cigarettes a day for 59 years but quit cold turkey two years ago. I suffered with asthma and allergies in my youth and teenage years, but I am not now affected and do not have any so-called smoking related illnesses.

We have choices, and I respect yours. Do you respect mine? I personally do not want our choices regulated by law.

If you disagree with the above, give me facts that may change my opinion.

AUSTIN HUDSON, Cape Girardeau