Legislators Should Enact Statewide Smoke-Free Law

Summary

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The scientific evidence is overwhelming. Eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke saves lives and will protect Michigan workers. In a 2006 report, the U.S. Surgeon General was unequivocal - there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Even brief exposure has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system and increases risk for lung cancer and heart disease. Secondhand smoke kills 3,000 non-smokers from lung cancer and another 35,000 to 45,000 from heart disease. The report concluded that "eliminating indoor smoking is the only way to fully protect residents from secondhand smoke."

[...] any honest evaluation of the evidence shows that smoke-free laws have had positive economic impact for the business community. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health: * Employers pay an average of $2,189 in workers compensation costs for smokers compared to $176 for non-smokers. * Employees who smoke have an average insurance payment for health care of $1,145, while non-smoking employees average $762. * When an employee stops smoking, it produces a 20 percent savings in medical costs.

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Legislators Should Enact Statewide Smoke-Free Law

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The evidence is clear and it's time for our legislators to act. A statewide smoke-free air law is the best way t...

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