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Statement of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network(Sm)and Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids on D.C. Councilmember Orange'sSupport of Comprehensive Smoke-Free Workplace Bill

Posted on: Wednesday, 21 September 2005, 12:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a joint statement released today from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network(sm) and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in support of D.C. Councilmember Orange's (D-Ward 5) support for smoke-free legislation:

We commend D.C. Councilmember Vincent Orange (D-Ward 5) for standing up for the health of District workers and residents by supporting comprehensive smoke-free workplace legislation that would protect everyone in Washington, D.C. from the many health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Councilmember Orange joins 74 percent of D.C. residents, more than 80 local organizations, and nine of his colleagues who already support smoke- free workplaces -b including bars and restaurants. The D.C. Council should act quickly to pass legislation that protects the right of all workers and patrons to breathe smoke-free air.

Our organizations strongly support the "Department of Health Functions Amendment Act of 2005" pending before the Health Committee, as well as the "Smoke-Free Workplaces Act of 2005" and the "OSHA Amendment Act of 2005" pending before the Public Works Committee. These comprehensive bills would protect all District workers from the 4,000 chemicals and more than 60 carcinogens in secondhand smoke. We thank Councilmember Orange for his support for a law that covers all workplaces, including restaurants and bars, at all times; protects the health of all workers and patrons; and does not include loopholes such as ineffective ventilation systems.

Secondhand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer, heart disease and other serious diseases, and is responsible for at least 38,000 deaths each year. Recently, experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised persons with heart disease to avoid settings where smoking is allowed because of the risk that even short-term exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger heart attacks. A study published in June 2005 in the online journal BMC Pediatrics found that a pregnant woman's exposure to secondhand smoke may be just as harmful to her fetus -b causing permanent genetic mutations -b as if the woman herself was a smoker.

The evidence is also clear that smoke-free laws protect health without harming business. Dozens of studies and hard economic data have shown that smoke-free laws do not harm sales or employment in restaurants and bars and often have a positive impact. Some of the strongest evidence comes from New York City, where a report found that, in the year after the city's comprehensive smoke-free law took effect March 30, 2003, business receipts for restaurants and bars increased, employment rose, the number of liquor licenses increased, virtually all establishments are complying with the law, and the vast majority of New Yorkers support the law. There is also growing evidence that smoke-free laws can save money. A study released in August 2005 by the Society of Actuaries found that secondhand smoke costs our country $10 billion a year in health care bills, lost wages and other costs.

The evidence that smoke-free laws protect health without harming business has spurred a growing number of states to eliminate smoking in workplaces and public places. As of October 1, 2005, twelve states b- California, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, Florida, Idaho, Montana and Utah will be smoke-free. Hundreds of cities and counties across the country, from Austin, Texas, to Minneapolis, Minn., to Columbus, Ohio, have taken action as well, and more will become a part of this growing trend.

Now, more than ever, it's time for D.C. to join the growing number of states, cities, and even entire countries that have taken action to protect everyone's right to breathe smoke-free air. No Washingtonian should have to choose between a good job and good health.

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ACS CAN is the nonprofit, nonpartisan sister advocacy organization of the American Cancer Society. ACS CAN is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major public health problem through voter education and issue campaigns aimed at influencing candidates and lawmakers to support laws and policies that will help people fight cancer. ACS CAN does not endorse candidates and is not a political action committee (PAC). For more information, visit http:// www.acscan.org.

The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids is building a healthier future for our children by changing public attitudes and public policies regarding tobacco use. The Campaign strives to prevent kids from smoking, help smokers quit and protect everyone from secondhand smoke. For more information, visit the Campaign's web site at http:/ /www.tobaccofreekids.org.

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http://www.usnewswire.com

Source: U.S. Newswire

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