LANSING – Macomb County lawmakers today voted to pass legislation that would make Michigan the 37th state to ban smoking in most indoor places, including bars and restaurants. The move comes amid ever increasing evidence of the negative public health impact of secondhand smoke. The plan passed the Michigan House 73-31, and now awaits Senate action.
"The dangers of secondhand smoke are well-documented," said State Representative Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores). "Thousands of people die from exposure to it every year. By passing this legislation today we are taking a stand to protect our families, children and workers by drastically reducing the amount of smoke that they are exposed to."
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.
"For residents who work in a bar or a restaurant, inhaling secondhand smoke every day shouldn't have to be a part of their job description," said State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren). "Families who want to go out to dinner shouldn't have to be subjected to these dangerous chemicals either. This legislation puts the best interests of all Michigan residents first."
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.
Thirty-six states have passed laws prohibiting smoking in almost all public places and workplaces. The plan passed today exempts certain cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores because those businesses feature smoking as the primary source of their commerce. The plan also grants exemptions for casinos, as the Detroit casinos would face competitive disadvantages with tribal casinos that would threaten their viability.
"This plan is an important step toward strengthening public health protections in Michigan," said State Representative Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens). "Making our state smoke-free is part of building a healthier, stronger Michigan. By adding Michigan to the dozens of other states that ban smoking we will help save thousands of lives – it's that simple."