Action line 80807 - Smoking at the shoppette Published Sept. 18, 2008 By Anonymous 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Complaint: I have a concern that I know more people have mentioned around my workplace. As I do not wish to force people into a different lifestyle, I would rather not change mine for the sake of another individual's poor life choices. My concern is the placement of the smoking area at the Shoppette. Many times I have to walk through a cloud of poison to reach the cashier to pay for gas. The US Surgeon General reported in 2006 that, "The health effects of secondhand smoke exposure are more pervasive than we previously thought." The scientific evidence is now indisputable: Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance. It is a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death in children and nonsmoking adults. The smoking areas on base should be moved away from where the general public traverse. I participate in PT at least 3 days a week, try to eat a healthy diet, only to have them "Canceled Out" by other people disregard for their own health. I think if we truly want to have a "fit to fight" Air Force we should be smoke free but until that day I would like to enjoy any leisure walk around the common facilities at Incirlik without having to breath deadly toxins. I thank you for your time and concern with this matter and hope we can come up with a simple conclusion that will promote the positive growth of not only my child but a stronger Air Force. Response: Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Smoking is prohibited within 50 feet of any entrance or exit to a facility and the Shoppette is no exception. In fact, with the gas pump locations, there is no smoking allowed anywhere around the front of the Shoppette. There are several large signs posted that state this in both English and Turkish. I have reminded the management to enforce this policy when they observe someone smoking at the entrance or surrounding area. Feel free to do the same.