Smoking Ban Makes Sense

(Rep. Michael Gerber is a Democrat from Montgomery County. His comments are in response to the My Side from Susan Lavely, appearing in the Aug. 4 edition of Endeavor News.)

Last month, the Smoke- Free Pennsylvania Act passed in the Pa. House of Representatives. Getting this bill through without a laundry list of amendments pushed by tobacco industry lobbyists and other special interests (including casinos) was a fight worth fighting.

Our success thus far is due to the passionate support of those who care deeply about protecting the health and well-being of Pennsylvanians from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

We successfully fought to defeat amendments that would have produced a much weaker smoking ban, similar to the exception-laden legislation passed by the Senate earlier this summer.

The bill (S.B. 246) would provide a smoke-free environment in all public places across Pennsylvania, protecting people from the hazardous effects of secondhand smoke, while saving millions of dollars in health-care costs and improving the state's business climate.

This bill is supported by Gov. Rendell, the Pa. Hospital Assn., the Pa. Medical Society, American Cancer Society, American Lung Assn., American Heart Assn., and the Pa. Restaurant Assn.

We now have undeniable evidence that secondhand smoke is a proven, serious health risk.

According to the U.S. surgeon general, secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals, and it actually contains higher concentrations of many of the toxins found in the smoke that cigarette users inhale because it is generated at lower temperatures and under different conditions. In addition, nonsmokers don't have even the limited protection offered by cigarette filters.

The end result is staggering. Secondhand smoke exposure can lead to cancer, heart disease and increased risks of asthma and sudden infant death syndrome in children. Even more frightening, women exposed to secondhand smoke have a 2.6 times greater risk of falling victim to breast cancer. Some 3,400 passive smokers die from lung cancer each year.

S.B. 246 would also save millions of dollars in healthcare costs. Studies consistently show that employers spend an average of $3,500 more per year in health-care costs on smokers than non-smokers.

What's more, there are over 90 independent studies which confirm that smoking bans do not hurt the economic fortunes of bars, restaurants and taverns. In fact, business has actually improved in several cities and states.

There are no more excuses for the legislature to continue sidestepping what was once a controversial issue. It's time for the State Senate to approve S.B. 246 in its current form so Pennsylvania can move forward in protecting our citizens' health.