It has been reported that the U. S. Navy will no longer permit smoking below decks on submarines. This ban will come into effect latest by December 31, this year.

Though smoking will be strictly prohibited below the deck, it will be the individual commander's prerogative to decide whether smoking will be allowed on the deck.

It has been reported that this decision has been made to protect non smokers from second hand smoke.

In the closeted environment of the submarine, second hand smoke becomes even more dangerous. This policy has come not only in favor of non- smokers but will also help smoking addicts quit.

This may come as bad news to the 30-40% smokers enrolled in the navy, who are a part of the submarine force. There have been complaints regarding such an unprecedented move. It is known that de-addiction is a complex process and requires immense time and patience. Critics claim that this ban will make it difficult for chain smokers to kick the habit all at once.

However, it is commendable that the navy has kept in mind the process of de-addiction and will provide surplus nicotine replacement therapy in the form of nicotine patches and gums. This stands testament to the efforts being made by the navy to make de- addiction as smooth as possible for addicts.

This decision to place a ban on smoking below decks can be deemed wise.

It is well known that smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancers diagnosed in the U. S. While this decision will force regular smokers to quit, it will also impede the harm done to others by second hand smoke.

Research has shown that second hand smoke leads to innumerable respiratory and cardio-thoracic diseases like asthma, emphysema and so on.

Moreover, the decision comes in favor of the nation as a whole. Only if the defenders of a country remain healthy and fit will they be able to serve the nation and protect it.