Walking the streets of New York City is always a little shocking. There is so much to see and do; I often feel pleasantly overwhelmed just walking to class. It’s a lot to take in. Most shocking, however, is the number of smokers I encounter when I step outside.

Let me start off by saying I dislike the smell of smoke. I find it to be rather unappealing and foul, and I do not appreciate having to constantly smell it when I go outdoors. However, I am also a firm believer in individual rights. Ultimately I do not believe stricter laws should be enacted against smokers, but I urge smokers to be more conscious about the time and place they choose to light up.

While the well-known health risks associated with smoking should be more than enough reason to not smoke, those who choose to smoke must be cautious not to burden those who do not. Firstly, choosing the right time to smoke should be a simple matter of courtesy. One should not have to inhale someone else’s smoke they do not want to. More importantly, secondhand smoke has the potential to cause a number of  different health issues. Those who choose not to smoke should not be put at risk at the expense of random city dwellers who are willing to risk their own health. Cigarette smoke cannot be contained, so smokers should be sensitive to the fact that when they light up in a large crowd of people, quite a number of those surrounding them are going to have to experience the smoke.

A number of laws are already in place to prevent smokers from lighting up wherever they please. In May 2011, the Smoke Free Air Act extended smoking bans to parks and beaches in New York City. Some employers are going so far as to charge smokers higher rates for health insurance. Taxes on cigarettes are notoriously high. The reason for these rules — to discourage potentially destructive lifestyles for those who choose and to protect those who choose not to smoke — is justified. While some smokers may find these laws to be strict, they inherently help non-smokers stay away from the irritation and health risks of secondhand smoke, which is unquestionably important. I support these laws even though I am wary about enacting stricter laws for the sake of preservation of the individual rights of smokers. While I disagree with the choice to smoke, I agree with the freedom to make the choice.

If you want to smoke, you undoubtedly should be allowed to do so. Similarly, if you choose not to smoke, you should be allowed to breathe air that is smoke-free. New York City is one of the best places in the world, and I have certainly been enjoying my time here. I love exploring the city, and when I do, I want to be able to inhale fresh air — not dangerous carcinogens.

A version of this article appeared in the Tuesday, Sept. 25 print edition. Terri Burns is a contributing columnist. Email her at [email protected].