LANSING – State Representatives Deb Kennedy (D-Brownstown), Dian Slavens (D-Canton) and Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) today voted for legislation that would make Michigan the 37th state to ban smoking in most indoor places, including bars and restaurants. The move comes amid ever increasing evidence of the negative public health impact of secondhand smoke. The plan passed 73-31, and now heads to the Senate for approval.
"Residents who work in places where smoking is allowed are risking their lives to earn a paycheck," Kennedy said. "In these tough economic times, Michigan residents should not have to sacrifice their health in order to make ends meet. It is our responsibility as lawmakers to protect the health of our citizens from the dangers of secondhand smoke."
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.
"We must act now to put the health of our workers and our families first," Corriveau said. "Residents – and parents with children, especially – should be able to visit a restaurant without worrying about the deadly dangers of secondhand smoke."
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.
Thirty-six states have passed laws prohibiting smoking in almost all public places and workplaces. The plan passed Tuesday exempts certain cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores because those businesses feature smoking as the primary source of their commerce. The plan also exempts casinos, which would face competitive disadvantages with tribal casinos that would threaten their viability.
"It is a proven fact that secondhand smoke causes cancer and kills, a tragedy I saw firsthand during my years as a respiratory therapist," said Slavens, a health care provider with over 20 years of experience. "I can't, in good faith, stand by as Michigan citizens are dying from preventable causes like secondhand smoke. I applaud my colleagues in the House for passing this common-sense plan that protects our residents."