Thursday, October 1, 2009

Smoke Free Indy’s Statement on Proposed Comprehensive Smokefree Workplace Ordinance for Indianapolis

Smoke Free Indy supports the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council’s decision to move forward with a comprehensive smoke free ordinance to protect all workers from exposure to secondhand smoke.

Smoke Free Indy applauds Councillors Benjamin Hunter and Angela Mansfield and our other smoke free air champions on the council for their strong leadership in protecting the health of workers in Marion County. Secondhand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer, heart disease and other serious health hazards. It is not just a mere annoyance. No one should have to choose between their jobs and their health.

Comprehensive smoke free workplace ordinances prevent disease and death and improve the economic development climate by reducing preventable health care costs. Furthermore 70 percent of Marion County residents support expanding the Indianapolis ordinance to include ALL workplaces, including bars.

It is time for Marion County to join many communities in Indiana and thousands around the world that have enacted a comprehensive smoke free ordinance that covers all workplaces.

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