11.07.2007

Smoke

In May a new law went into effect in Ohio where people can no longer smoke in public buildings. This includes the small, two-story office building I work in.

In April and May this year, there were several times a week where we would smell cigarette smoke. Really strong smoke. We wondered if this smell was coming from a tenant right above us who had moved into the space about that time. Unfortunately their main office door is always shut so it was impossible to tell. We kept complaining to the landlord, who was sympathetic to the situation but told us he could not, as a landlord, go into their space to investigate.

During the warm summer months the cigarette smoke smell stopped and it became a distant memory. However, the cold months are back and so is that horrible cigarette smell. A co-worker has done some investigative work and has confirmed it is coming from an executive's office in the suite above us. The individual has left ashes in his trash, which the cleaning people have reported. However, the landlord's hands are still tied. Today we took the logical next step - we reported it to an Ohio 800 number where they are to investigate such claims. We were told it would be 4-8 weeks before someone would be out. Even once that happens we're still not sure if it will put an end to the situation.

I'm all for people smoking if that's what they want to do, but not in a place of business. I don't have a choice to go somewhere else...I'm stuck in this office from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday. What makes this particularly annoying is that I'm allergic to the cigarette smoke, which causes me horrible, burning sinus pain almost instantly, especially when it's in an enclosed area. Today's incident occurred two hours ago and my eyes and face are so dry and burning that I can barely look at my computer monitor.

In the meantime all I can do is boycott the company causing this suffering - Donatos Pizza. No big loss, but it's the only thing I can do for now. To those who read this and have a Donatos in your area I would request you do the same!

1 comment:

Chrissy said...

Smoking in closed environments is so annoying! No one likes it, and I agree with the rule. I recently heard that they are going to start giving tickets out for people who smoke in their car with their kids. Bring it on. Go ahead and smoke all you want OUTSIDE! But, when you make a decision for someone else which they have no control over, you really need learn to have a little respect!! Amen sister!