COLUMBUS, Ohio – As the debate over whether or not to wear a mask continues, some people suggest mandates should align with rules regarding smoking in public places.
Michael Vuolo is an associate professor of sociology at The Ohio State University. He recently co-authored a paper in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine arguing that masks should be treated much like protecting workers from the effects of secondhand smoke.
Vuolo discussed his postion with Spectrum News 1 anchor and reporter Chuck Ringwalt.
“Our argument is based on sort of a balance of individual rights and liberties, so the main argument with masks is that they are a violation of individual rights and liberties. They might be unconstitutional, but actually the balance is when you think about worker’s rights. Not only, do we have our own individual liberties, but the point at which those go to is when they pose risk upon others,” Vuolo said.
