A recent television news report said that King County is in the top 5 percent when it comes to airborne toxins. Traffic congestion, population growth and industrial emissions were all blamed.

Notice anything missing? There is no mention of tobacco or cigarettes. Think about it. On those days that you can’t see across Lake Washington or see the new buildings of Seattle, that thick brown stuff blocking your view and smelling awful is not cigarette smoke. It is being brought to you by the petroleum companies and the auto industry, among others. The cigarettes your friends and neighbors are smoking are not the killers.

Granted, the tobacco smoke may not appeal to you but have you ever smelled the exhaust of a truck, bus or automobile in either an open or closed area? It is not only bad, it will definitely kill you. You don’t need an expensive study to tell you that.

Let’s stop all of this chatter about the terrible damage the tobacco companies are causing. It is time to be honest with ourselves and face the real enemy – us – and the traffic congestion, population growth and industrial emissions. That’s what we need to be concerned about.

Take a hard look at the air you and your family members are breathing 24 hours a day.

Everett