smokefree is good for health
The scientific evidence on the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke is clear, convincing, and overwhelming. Secondhand smoke is a known cause of lung cancer, heart disease, chronic lung ailments such as asthma and bronchitis, and low birth-weight births.
On June 27, 2006, the US Surgeon General released its first report on secondhand smoke since 1986. Called The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke, the report makes it clear that only comprehensive smoke-free workplace laws can protect all workers and the public from the serious, scientifically proven dangers of secondhand smoke.
The report's major conclusions:
- The scientific evidence is indisputable that secondhand smoke causes premature death and serious diseases in both adults and children who do not smoke. As Surgeon General Richard Carmona stated, "The debate is over. The science is clear. Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance but a serious health hazard."
- Secondhand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer and heart disease in nonsmoking adults and of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), low birth weight, acute respiratory infections, ear infections and asthma attacks in infants and children. It is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year.
- There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Exposure to secondhand smoke has substantial and immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
- The only way to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke is to require smokefree workplaces and public places. Other approaches, such as air ventilation systems and smoking and non-smoking sections, do not eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Smokefree policies do not have an adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry.
To read the full text of the report, click here.