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Smoke-Free Air

The Health Effects of Secondhand Smoke

 

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.  Every year secondhand smoke causes 35,000 deaths in the U.S.  According to Tobacco Free Kids, 1,690 adult nonsmokers die each year in North Carolina from exposure to secondhand smoke.

As little as thirty minutes of exposure can trigger a heart attack in someone with heart disease or risk factors for heart disease.  Most people work 8-hour shifts.  Restaurant workers often work longer hours. 

The Surgeon General’s 2006 report summarizes the scientific evidence that has led every major public health organization and scientific authority to conclude that secondhand smoke isn’t just an annoyance, but a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death in children and nonsmoking adults.  The report affirms that nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke inhale many of the same toxins as smokers.  Even brief exposure to secondhand smoke has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and increases risk for heart disease by 25 to 30 percent and lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent, the report says.  

An Elimination of Smoking in Public Places Law is Important

There has never been a better example of "one person's rights ending where the next person's rights begin" than with the public smoking issue.  You simply can't smoke in an enclosed space without spreading second-hand smoke through the entire room.  

Everyone has the right to breathe smoke-free air.  It’s good for health and good for business. 

The only way to protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke is to require smokepfree worksites and public places.  Other approaches, such as air ventilation systems and smoking and non-smoking sections do not eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke. 

Smoke Free Policies Do Not Hurt Business and Help Save Money

Studies show that smoke-free workplace laws have either a positive or neutral effect on business.  In fact, no rigorous, scientifically conducted study has found negative economic impact from smoke-free policies.  Even in North Carolina, the number one tobacco producing state in the nation, smoke-free policies did not hurt business.

A comprehensive smoke-free policy allows businesses a level playing field.   If all restaurants are smoke free, there is no competition. 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that smoke-free restaurants can expect to save about $190 per 1,000 square feet each year in lower cleaning and maintenance costs.  The EPA also estimates a savings of $4 billion to $8 billion per year in building operations and maintenance costs if comprehensive smoke-free indoor air policies are adopted nationwide.  

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.

Smoke Free Policies are Popular

According to the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, as of October 2008, 69% of the U.S. population is covered by a 100% smoke-free provision in workplaces and public places.  North Carolinians deserve the right to work in smoke-free environments.  

According to an Elon University poll, 9 out of 10 North Carolinians agree that employees should be able to work in a smoke-free environment. 

Nearly 80% of North Carolinians are non-smokers.