LANSING – In an effort to protect
Michigan residents and workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke, the
Michigan House today passed a plan that prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor public places – including
restaurants and bars.
"Experts tell us that for most people, second-hand smoke is the single greatest environmental hazard they
encounter," said State Representative Pam Byrnes
(D-Lyndon Township) said. "Our bar
and restaurant workers shouldn't be forced to breathe dangerous smoke day in and day out just to support their families.
By the same token, consumers who want to enjoy a night out with their families shouldn't be exposed to the cancerous
toxins found in cigarette smoke. Passing the smoking ban is the right thing to do for
Michigan families."
Secondhand smoke is classified as a Group A carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Exposure to
secondhand smoke can cause or exacerbate a wide range of health problems, including cancer, respiratory infections, and
asthma, according to the American Lung Association (ALA).
The ALA reports that secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung
cancer deaths and 46,000 heart disease deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United
States each year, and that nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at work are at
increased risk for health problems.
The House plan prohibits smoking in places of employment and most public places, including bars and restaurants.
Those who violate the law would be fined up to $100 for the first violation and up to $500 for any subsequent
violations. The plan exempts certain cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores, casino game room floors, bingo
halls and horse racing tracks. Some form of smoke-free law has been passed in 32 states.
Secondhand smoke is especially harmful to children, the ALA reports.
It is responsible for up to 300,000 lower respiratory tract infections in kids under 18 months of age, resulting in up
to 15,000 hospitalizations a year. It causes 430 sudden infant death syndrome deaths in the
U.S. annually, the
ALA reports. In addition, new evidence links increases in the number of
asthma cases in children to secondhand smoke exposure.
