LANSING – In an effort to protect Michigan residents and workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke, State Representative Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) today voted for a plan that prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor public places – including restaurants and bars.
"Our workers must not be forced to breathe secondhand smoke in for eight hours a day, every working day of their lives," Byrum said. "Customers enjoying a night out at a restaurant should not be subjected to the health risks of secondhand smoke. The dangers of secondhand smoke are scientifically-proven -- it's time that we take action to protect our residents."
Secondhand smoke is classified as a Group A carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Exposure to secondhand smoke can cause or exacerbate a wide range of health problems, including cancer, respiratory infections, and asthma, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).
The ALA reports that secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year, and that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at work are at increased risk for health problems.
The plan prohibits smoking in places of employment and most public places, including bars and restaurants. Those who violate the law would be fined up to $100 for the first violation and up to $500 for any subsequent violations. The plan exempts certain cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores, casino game room floors, bingo halls, horse racing tracks, and veterans and fraternal organizations. Some form of smoke-free law has been passed in 32 states.
Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to children, the ALA reports. It is responsible for up to 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in kids under 18 months of age, resulting in up to 15,000 hospitalizations a year. It causes 430 sudden infant death syndrome deaths in the U.S. annually, the ALA reports. In addition, new evidence links increases in the number of asthma cases in children to secondhand smoke exposure.
"Without a smoking ban, the message we are sending is that people do not really have a choice when it comes to inhaling these toxic substances," Byrum said. "Secondhand smoke is more than a nuisance to those who don't smoke – it's deadly."