In December 2009, the Michigan Legislature passed House Bill 4377. This bill declared Michigan a smoke-free state, prohibiting smoking discount Cosmos cigarettes in all public and private workplaces and all food establishments, including restaurants, bars and bowling alleys. On May 1, 2010, we celebrated the fact that Michigan had become the 38th state to go smoke free. Many individuals throughout the state advocated, volunteered and supported the passage of this law.
As the third leading “preventable” cause of death In the United States, secondhand smoke poses increased health risks to non-smokers. Legislators gave Michigan workers, as well as the public, a great gift — to be able to breathe smoke free air.
It is now disheartening to hear that some legislators want to weaken this law by making exemptions that will reduce the health protection provided to Michigan workers and residents.
The Michigan Smoke Free Law needs no revisions!
The health hazards of tobacco were clearly defined in the 2006 “Surgeon General’s Report, The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke,” which states that eliminating smoking in indoor areas is the only way to fully protect nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. Seventy-four percent of Michigan residents support a smoke free law.
Legislators took a stand and supported what was right for the health and well-being of Michigan residents, a law that enhances the quality of indoor air and protects workers from the damaging effects of secondhand smoke. Can we really afford to tamper with that?
If you enjoy a smoke-free environment when you dine out or work at a bar or restaurant that is smoke free, let your state legislators know how much you appreciate the smoke -free law and that you oppose any changes to weaken it.
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