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Why Go Smoke Free? |
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Everyone
has the right to breathe smoke free air.
Nationwide, more and more workplaces are going smoke free. However,
South Carolina has few real smoke free workplace laws. There
have been major gains in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke in the general
population, however, those in blue collar and service jobs - such as craft
workers, laborers, and hospitality workers - are still disproportionately
exposed at the workplace.
Secondhand smoke is a health
hazard.
- Secondhand smoke contains over 4,000
chemicals and at least 60 carcinogens.
- The toxins in secondhand smoke cause
cancer, heart disease, and respiratory
problems, such as wheezing, asthma attacks,
shortness of breath, and excessive coughing
- long after exposure.
- The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Environmental Protection
Agency and other health groups all agree
that secondhand smoke is dangerous and
everyone should be protected from it
in indoor workplaces and public places.
Smoke Free policies will
protect our most vulnerable citizens.
- Smoke free policies enable children, the elderly, and people with certain health conditions to enjoy dining out and visiting public places without putting their health at risk.
- Smoke knows no bounds. Nonsmoking sections
and ventilation systems don’t eliminate
exposure.
No one should have to choose
between a job and good health.
- Food service workers have a 50% greater
risk of dying from lung cancer than the
general population, in part, because
of secondhand smoke exposure in the workplace.
- Comprehensive smoke free workplace
policies reduce tobacco-related illnesses
and the costs of treating them.
- Smoke free policies reduce absenteeism
even among non-smoking employees, reduce
housekeeping and maintenance costs, lower
insurance rates and result in fewer smoking-related
fires.
Broad support exists for
a Smoke Free Lowcountry.
- A broad-based, solid majority of voters
across the political spectrum support
smoke free policies.
- The American Cancer Society Cancer
Action Network, Campaign for Tobacco-Free
Kids, American Heart Association, and
American Lung Association all support
enactment of a comprehensive smoke-free
workplaces laws in South Carolina.
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