smoking regulations go into place Sunday in the international and domestic terminals of Jeddah's airport. Fines of SR200 will be levied on those found smoking in restricted areas. We expect that it will be the first of many restrictions, which, if enforced, should make a significant dent in the number of smokers in the Kingdom. Anti-smoking campaigns have already begun in Saudi Arabia with the destructive health effects of tobacco being focused on in an attempt to dissuade young smokers from starting and convincing those who smoke to lay down their cancer sticks and begin breathing as they were meant to, without the obstruction of carcinogenic smoke in their lungs. With such a young population, the Kingdom is in an excellent position to impress upon youngsters through educational programs the dire consequences of a life-long cigarette habit. If children are educated from a very young age regarding the detrimental effects of tobacco, they will grow up secure in the knowledge that smoking cigarettes is akin to pouring poison into one's body. There is not one positive aspect to smoking, no matter how smokers may claim that it calms them down or helps them think. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer and contributes to a number of other cancers that invade and destroy the body. It is also a leading cause of heart ailments and stroke. There really is nothing positive that anyone can show for smoking. Second-hand smoke has had some defenders who claim that the smoke from one person's cigarette does not have the potential to make ill anyone who inadvertently inhales the smoke. Those detractors from the very real arguments of the dangers of second-hand smoke have been roundly silenced as more and more proof emerges that tobacco smoke, whether inhaled directly or indirectly in a room full of smokers, can kill, no matter how it is ingested. The prohibition against smoking may rankle some, but it most certainly will put Saudi airports on the same safety level as almost all airports in advanced countries around the world. It will not improve the experience of those passing through our airports, but it will also go a long way in improving the health of our own citizens. There is still a long way to go, but the prohibition against smoking in Saudi airports is a very real and very important first step. __
