LETTER: Anti-smoking bill will prevent suffering, save 400 Iowans yearly
Last week, the Iowa Senate voted in favor of legislation that would make most indoor public places in Iowa smoke-free. The Iowa House deserves considerable credit for getting the ball rolling the prior week, and the Senate's version protects even more Iowans - it is a great bill!
I'd like to explain why and how American Cancer Society volunteers have championed this important public health measure for so long, and what you can do to help make it reality.
Why is this legislation so important? The mission of the American Cancer Society's 8,000 Iowa volunteers is to eliminate cancer and reduce the suffering it causes. Simply put, eliminating exposure to the poisons in tobacco is the No. 1 way to accomplish that mission.
Tobacco use causes many deadly diseases. The harmful chemicals in tobacco affect not only the user, but also anyone else who is exposed to smoke. Food service workers have a 50 percent greater risk of dying from lung cancer than the general population. This year, more than 400 Iowans will lose their lives due to exposure to someone else's cigarette smoke. Protecting public health is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government. With the dangers of second-hand smoke being a proven health threat, as reported by the U.S. Surgeon General last year, our elected officials are obligated to act.
In reality, protecting public safety by reducing exposure to known health threats is nothing new. Laws relating to asbestos are a good example. Likewise, no citizen has the right to knowingly expose the public to these dangers.
So, how have American Cancer Society volunteers worked to influence this legislation? Through action! In the past weeks, thousands of messages from American Cancer Society volunteers have hit the desks of our lawmakers, urging them to pass comprehensive smoke-free legislation. But the battle is far from over. Be assured that opponents are gearing up like never before, and in addition to our American Cancer Society volunteers, our representatives will need to hear from the "silent" majority of Iowans who support smoke-free workplaces. In fact, it has never been more important to speak up.
We invite you to join in improving the safety of workers and citizens in public places. Contact your state representative and insist on the passage of the comprehensive, statewide smoke-free bill. Everyone's safety matters, and every voice counts.
Gretchen Tegeler
State Vice President
American Cancer Society
I'd like to explain why and how American Cancer Society volunteers have championed this important public health measure for so long, and what you can do to help make it reality.
Why is this legislation so important? The mission of the American Cancer Society's 8,000 Iowa volunteers is to eliminate cancer and reduce the suffering it causes. Simply put, eliminating exposure to the poisons in tobacco is the No. 1 way to accomplish that mission.
Tobacco use causes many deadly diseases. The harmful chemicals in tobacco affect not only the user, but also anyone else who is exposed to smoke. Food service workers have a 50 percent greater risk of dying from lung cancer than the general population. This year, more than 400 Iowans will lose their lives due to exposure to someone else's cigarette smoke. Protecting public health is one of the most fundamental responsibilities of government. With the dangers of second-hand smoke being a proven health threat, as reported by the U.S. Surgeon General last year, our elected officials are obligated to act.
In reality, protecting public safety by reducing exposure to known health threats is nothing new. Laws relating to asbestos are a good example. Likewise, no citizen has the right to knowingly expose the public to these dangers.
So, how have American Cancer Society volunteers worked to influence this legislation? Through action! In the past weeks, thousands of messages from American Cancer Society volunteers have hit the desks of our lawmakers, urging them to pass comprehensive smoke-free legislation. But the battle is far from over. Be assured that opponents are gearing up like never before, and in addition to our American Cancer Society volunteers, our representatives will need to hear from the "silent" majority of Iowans who support smoke-free workplaces. In fact, it has never been more important to speak up.
We invite you to join in improving the safety of workers and citizens in public places. Contact your state representative and insist on the passage of the comprehensive, statewide smoke-free bill. Everyone's safety matters, and every voice counts.
Gretchen Tegeler
State Vice President
American Cancer Society
Copyright © 2009 - Iowa State Daily