Smoke Free Law needs no Revisions, Michigan News

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!

Hospital Appeal Over Smoking

The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has appealed to the public to keep buildings and entrances at Craigavon Area Hospital smoke free. Dr Gillian Rankin, Director of Acute Services for the Trust explained: “Smoking at the front of the hospital exposes people entering the building to tobacco smoke and causes smoke to enter the Hospital building, impacting on patient care. “Whilst visitors accept and follow regulations that no smoking is allowed within hospital buildings, there are problems arising from people smoking Monte Carlo cigarettes close to hospital entrances and windows.” Dr Rankin added: “We appeal to everyone coming to our hospitals to help us protect patients, visitors and staff from the harmful effects of tobacco smoke. If you smoke please use the smoking shelter provided which is located directly outside the Hospital.