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Going Smoke-Free Is A Step Forward
Worcester Telegram & GazetteJuly 18, 2003 Worcester, MA---Recently, there has been a lot of attention on smoking bans. Boston went 100 percent smoke-free in May and Cambridge and Somerville voted in favor of adopting clean air in all workplaces in June. When public officials advance the health of all workers – including bar and restaurant employees – by eliminating second hand smoke, it sends a message every elected official should heed: It is time to make smoking in the workplace – all workplaces – history in Massachusetts.
Given the available medical evidence, it would be irresponsible not to move forward. Health experts – including the EPA and World Health Organization – have recognized the hazards of second hand smoke and classified it as a class A carcinogen, in the same category as asbestos.
Second hand smoke is a deadly toxin containing over 45 cancer-causing agents. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, it kills an estimated 53,000 people annually in the United States, including more than 1,000 Massachusetts residents (JAMA, Jan.14, 1998). A University of California study estimates that bar and restaurant employees are 11/2 to two times more likely to contract lung cancer than their counterparts in non-smoking businesses (JAMA, July 28, 1993). And the health care costs of those suffering from smoking-related illnesses are staggering: $1,623 annually (CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report April 12, 2002).
Right now, 35 percent of Massachusetts residents live in smoke-free communities. Legislation establishing 100 percent smoke-free indoor workplaces in all 351 cities and towns would ensure safer work environments and would level the playing field for bar and restaurant businesses. In fact, polling statistics show that the majority of patrons prefer smoke-free establishments. In a smoke-free Massachusetts, all bars and restaurants will operate knowing they are on even footing when it comes to their customers.
If it seems that Massachusetts is part of a worldwide, smoke-free trend, that's because it is. The tide continues to turn against tobacco and toxic second hand smoke, and in favor of clean indoor air. By going smoke-free Massachusetts would join Maine, Connecticut, New York, California and Delaware in creating safer environments for workers and patrons on a statewide level.
Opponents will often cite “smokers’ rights” when criticizing these policies. But no one is taking away a smoker’s right to smoke. Just don’t do it where it affects someone else’s right to breathe clean air. This is simply about protecting the health of workers, who don’t always have the luxury of working somewhere else. If statewide smoke-free legislation becomes law, all workers will be protected from unhealthy exposure to second hand smoke.
Massachusetts has always been a leader when it comes to public health. Going smoke-free statewide will be another step forward, and will bring a positive change that will be, quite literally, a breath of fresh air for everyone.
Diane Pickles |
