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| Why Go Smoke
Free? |
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Health |
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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
- 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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