New U.S. Surgeon General Report

Today, the United States Surgeon General released a report: 'How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease: The Biology and Behavioral Basis for Smoking-Attributable Disease;' which found that cell and tissue damage happens immediately when a person is exposure to tobacco smoke. This damage changes your bodies DNA resulting in an increased chance of getting cancer and other adverse health effects. The report also found that it is a lot easier to become addicted to smoking and it is harder to quit because modern cigarettes deliver nicotine in a much more efficient manor than in years past. There is no safe cigarette, all cause harm.

There are 7,000 chemicals in cigarette smoke including 70 that cause cancer, this number is up from previous estimates of 5,000 chemicals and over 50 cancer causing chemicals. Smoking causes 85% of lung cancers and causes cancer in most other places in the body. Even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can cause cardiovascular disease and cardiac events. Smoking can also be harmful to diabetics, pregnant women and their unborn fetuses and can cause infertility in women. Secondhand smoke can also cause SIDS in babies.

But there is good news, quitting can reduce the impact of smoking on your body. If you or someone you know needs to quit have them call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for free telephone counselling.

We now know that workers are being exposed to the harmful chemicals in secondhand smoke that can lead to cancer, heart attacks and other adverse effects on the body. Indianapolis leaders should immediately take the step to protect all workers from these hazards by passing a smoke free air policy that covers all workplaces.