Science shows that smoking remains harmful

Readers debate smoking. Other topics: Brexit and stray cats

Readers debate the reach of a new smoking ban. Ryan Carter / The National

Regarding your report on smoking (Smoking ban 'needs to go much further', UAE health experts say July 10), second-hand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, 69 of which are known to cause cancer.
The calculations are made after first identifying the total dose of a chemical that is safe (or poses a negligible risk) and then determining the concentration of that chemical in the medium of concern that should not be exceeded if exposed individuals, typically those at the high end of contact, are not to incur a dose greater than the safe one. Put simply, smoking kills and this ban should go further to protect society.
Daniel Hammond, Dubai
There are steps being taken in Saudi Arabia to curb smoking. Dozens of coffee shops have been closed down by Jeddah municipalities for violating the ban on smoking in public places that was issued three months ago.
The city is enforcing the ban and will not tolerate those who break the law. Hundreds of inspectors have been carrying out daily checks in the city's 14 municipalities.
Several coffee shops and cafeterias were officially warned and fined. The warning is final and if an establishment does not comply within a week, it will be closed.
There are hundreds of coffee shops and cafeterias licensed to serve shisha and allow smoking. Authorities have called on the public to cooperate with municipalities and report violations.
All whistle-blowers shall remain anonymous. There should be a similar system created here. So that we can stop this problem once and for all.
Name withheld by request
Difference in work ethics
I am writing about Rym Ghazal's recent column about the role of foreigners and their effect on our work mentality (Does this region suffer from the foreigner complex? July 13).
The problem that I have noticed is the difference in work ethic between people of different backgrounds that come here to earn a living. This difference can result in some people overworking while others don't work hard enough. Overwork and underpay can affect a healthy economy and this issue should be better identified.
Sam Mohammed, Abu Dhabi
Brexit will help the UK economy
I am writing about your recent business report on the state of the economy (The next financial storm isn't coming - it's already upon us, July 11). It seems to me that journalists and bankers are similar because they are both spreading fear about the health of the economy. The Brexit debate is a perfect example.
Britain can be great again and that will never happen under the current business-as-usual European Union federalism.
The United Kingdom experienced a trade deficit for two consecutive years. What more evidence is needed that EU needs the UK more than it needs the EU?
The big business conglomerates and the banks will not like the departure but average citizens will in the long run.
The road will be bumpy in the short-term but that should not halt the UK's resolve to explore new markets. The EU will be reduced to 440 million people but India has over a 1 billion people and Nigeria has 250 million. The UK should explore again and revamp its commonwealth of nations.
D Oremso, UK
Some people help cats
I found your report on cats in Abu Dhabi very stimulating (Pet cats in Abu Dhabi being rounded up by pest control companies, vet says, July 12). Some people serve as guardians to neighbourhood cats. They can't take the cats in, but they love them and take care of them, and the cats come to depend on them. Everyone has different circumstances. Trap, neuter and release can be good but killing the cats is not.
Name withheld by request