Smoke-free Workplace Resolution

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RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE ORDINANCES IN

__________________  AND  ___________________ COUNTY, KENTUCKY

 

WHEREAS, secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States, with an estimated 7,333 nonsmokers dying from lung cancer and over 33,951 nonsmokers from heart disease in 20061,²;  as well as 8,000 nonsmokers dying from strokes annually¹; and

WHEREAS, secondhand smoke contains hundreds of toxic and cancer-causing chemicals³; and

WHEREAS, The Surgeon General concludes that secondhand smoke causes lung cancer (20-30% increased risk); heart disease (25-30% increase); as well as stroke (20-30% increase) in adults¹. In addition, the following health effects are associated with SHS exposure³: sudden infant death syndrome and low birth weight; middle ear problems, respiratory symptoms, and asthma in children; and

WHEREAS, Secondhand smoke exposure in U.S. bars and restaurants leads to 1,420 new cases of asthma among nonsmoking servers each year⁴; and

WHEREAS, Approximately 42,000 deaths were attributable to secondhand smoke exposure in the U.S. in 2006²; and

WHEREAS, Multiple studies have linked comprehensive smoke-free workplace and public places legislation to significant declines in hospital admissions for heart attacks in the general population (a projected decline of 15% for fewer heart attacks⁵ in ___________ County based on 2012 hospital data)⁶; and

WHEREAS, Studies indicate that individuals living in communities with comprehensive smoke-free policies are 22% less likely to be hospitalized for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to their peers in communities with moderate-weak smoke-free laws or no law⁷; and

WHEREAS, Studies show levels of toxic secondhand smoke in restaurants and bars are 1.6 to 6 times higher than in office workplaces, and waiters and waitresses have an increased risk of developing lung cancer and heart disease compared to other occupations^3,8; and

WHEREAS, Studies have shown that smoking e-cigarettes releases toxic pollution into the air, including propylene glycol which may damage the central nervous system, propylene oxide which causes cancer, and acrolein which can cause respiratory tract irritation⁹; and

WHEREAS, Secondhand smoke exposure cannot be eliminated by ventilation, air cleaning, or simply separating smokers from nonsmokers³; and

WHEREAS, __________ and _____________ County workers and patrons are exposed to secondhand smoke at restaurants, bars, entertainment establishments, and workplaces; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that  _____________, endorse the establishment of a smoke-free workplace policy in _______________ and in __________________  County to prevent exposure in such places.

                 

________________________________                       _______________________
              (President/Chair)                                                 Date