From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Sat, 06/12/04
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To keep New York smokefree, go to http://www.smokefree.net/NY
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Health Groups and Restaurant Association Condemn
Proposal to Weaken NY Smokefree Workplace Law
Legislation introduced to weaken New York's popular smokefree workplace law
received a cold response from New York's health groups and the New York
Restaurant Association. The legislation, supported by tobacco interests and
introduced by Senator Raymond Meier and Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito, would
return smoking to establishments using air-filtering equipment.
"Every state that has considered air-filtering and ventilation equipment has
rejected them," says Joe Cherner, president of SmokeFree Educational Services,
Inc. "The reason is simple: they don't work. Even Philip Morris' own website
admits they don't work."
Supporters of filtration and ventilation stress that hospitals use these
systems, but "hospitals don't allow smoking" says Cherner.
In a sharply worded letter, the New York Restaurant Association condemned the
filtration/ventilation proposal because it creates "an uneven economic playing
field, directly contradicting the original intent of New York's successful
smokefree workplace law." In addition, the Association points to the improved
health of hospitality workers as evidenced by a study showing an 85 percent
decrease in nicotine byproducts in the saliva of bartenders and waitstaff.
The letter goes on to state that air filtration systems can never entirely
eliminate the impact of tobacco smoke pollution on employees. One bartender
writes, "No ventilation system in the world will work against smoke blown two
feet away from your face."
Filtration/ventilation manufacturers refuse to guarantee that their system would
eliminate the risk of disease caused by exposure to tobacco smoke pollution.
In a few months, New York sales tax data will become available. Contrary to
studies by tobacco interests, the data is expected to show healthy results for
New York's hospitality industry. In addition, the data is expected to show an
increase in hospitality employment.
To send a letter in support of New York's smokefree workplace law, go to
http://www.smokefree.net/NY
Joseph W. Cherner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
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