LANSING – In an effort to protect Michigan residents and workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke, the House Democrats today passed a plan proposed by State Representative Brenda Clack (D-Flint) that prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor public places – including restaurants and bars. The plan passed 56-46; it now heads to the Senate for approval.
"Thousands of nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke die every year, but these deaths are 100 percent preventable," Clack said. "Our residents who work at bars and restaurants shouldn't be forced to breathe in secondhand smoke while they're on the job. Banning smoking in these establishments will drastically reduce the amount of smoke that our residents are exposed to and help protect workers. The dangers of secondhand smoke are well-documented – we must take action to protect our residents and our workers."
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.
Clack's 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 and horse racing tracks. 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.
"Secondhand smoke kills our children and it gives nonsmokers cancer," Clack said. "Banning smoking in public places will save lives – it's just that simple. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take action on this plan so we can start saving lives now."