From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Sun, 10/02/05
In November, voters in the state of Washington will vote FOR or AGAINST clean
indoor air (Ballot Initiative 901). If voters pass Initiative 901, Washington
will become the 10th smokefree workplace state in the USA. The following
editorial explains why voters should vote FOR Initiative 901.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seattle Times Editorial, 10/2/05
Vote FOR clean indoor air (Ballot Initiative 901)
A WORKPLACE should be free of dirty air. Washington voters need to ensure that
is the case by passing an initiative to ban smoking in all places where people
work. Washington would be following a number of other states and nations that
have instituted bans on smoking in places such as bars and restaurants.
The Times recommends passage of Initiative 901, a common-sense initiative that
amends Washington's 20-year-old Clean Air Act that banned smoking in most
workplaces. The initiative would add clean air to bars, restaurants, non-tribal
casinos, skating rinks and bowling alleys, which are all exempt from the current
Clean Air Act. Grabbing a quick bite to eat in a smoky restaurant now and again
might be a nuisance, but for the employees, the daily exposure can be
devastating. Enough evidence shows that secondhand smoke can cause health
problems in non-smokers, the same that are seen in smokers, such as lung cancer
and heart disease.
In Helena, Mont., a study found that the number of people going to the emergency
room for heart attacks dropped by almost half after smoking was eliminated for
six months in bars, restaurants and other workplaces.
Opponents of I-901 claim the cozy, smoke-filled neighborhood tavern will be hurt
if patrons are not allowed to smoke. This has not been the case in other states
where smoking has been extinguished.
A study by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that there were no drastic
economic consequences for bars and restaurants in Massachusetts after a smoking
ban was imposed in 2004. Revenue and employment numbers remained stable, with
slight increases after the ban.
The trend to smoke-free workplaces is well under way. It is Washington's turn to
create healthy workplaces for everyone.
Note: California, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Montana, and Vermont have all passed smokefree workplace legislation
similar to Initiative 901.
To win smokefree air where you live, go to http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
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
| 
