Altoona Regional's decision not to hire tobacco users nor allow tobacco use anywhere on its properties makes me wonder what's next.
If this was done for health reasons and because nonsmokers smelling smoke on someone who had just had a smoke break were offended, then is this enough?
What about obesity? Should Altoona Regional not hire people who are obese? After all, that certainly isn't healthy. And some obese people have a sweaty odor that offends people who are not obese.
Perhaps, people who drink should not be hired either. Some employees come to work hung over. That is not healthy, nor is it safe.
If this is all about health, then don't stop with the smokers.
Don't discriminate against only the smokers when obesity is as dangerous to your health as smoking, and as unpleasant to as many as smoking is to others.
Kim Peacock
Altoona
