May 4, 2005

Statement Given at Press Conference to Support House Bill 4, Which Provides for Stronger Smoke-Free Law in Pennsylvania

Toni Flora, Harriburg Project Manager:

"Clean Air Council is pleased to see the Pennsylvania Legislature taking active steps towards supporting smoke-free workplaces. The Council would like to thank the Representatives for searching out ways to best protect our state workers and citizens from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke.

We all recognize the dangers of secondhand smoke; in a smoky room, with every breath we are exposed to more than 4,000 chemicals, including 69 that cause cancer including arsenic, ammonia, lead, formaldehyde and DDT. Secondhand smoke is a known cause of lung cancer, heart disease, chronic lung ailments and low birth weights. In Pennsylvania, at least 1,840 deaths per year are attributable to secondhand smoke exposure.

Everyone should have the right to breathe clean air.

Pennsylvania has a proud and rich history of adopting laws and policies that protect its workers and citizens. We hope that Pennsylvania will become a leader in smoke-free initiatives and develop legislation that equally protects all Pennsylvanians-restaurant patrons and workers alike.

In recent years a groundswell of support for smoke-free laws has developed in states across the country. California, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, and Maine have all passed comprehensive smoking bans. Other states have smoking bans on the way. The time is right for Pennsylvania to join this growing list of states that are taking this important step in protecting their citizens and workers and improving public health.

Clean Air Council strongly urges the Pennsylvania Legislature to fully prohibit smoking in all workplaces. Though we strongly support the House measure to protect workers and others from second hand smoke-we will work to eliminate the provision allowing separate ventilated areas. Ventilation is often offered by the tobacco companies and the groups working with them as a solution. However, both separate sections and ventilation systems have been consistently proven not to work in eliminating the hazardous toxins and gasses in secondhand smoke. Ventilation is no longer accepted as a viable option as it does not protect worker's health and the Council hopes the House will consider all the scientific data and make the necessary amendments.

Almost 80% of Pennsylvanians support smoke-free public places. This is not surprising when you consider that over 75% of Pennsylvanians do not smoke. The legislature is listening to the voice of its constituents and Clean Air Council will be pleased to work them to produce a bill that protects public and worker health. Thank you."