LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today voted to 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 73-31, and now awaits Senate action.
"Thousands suffer preventable deaths every year because of the dangerous chemicals that are in secondhand smoke," Dean said. "We must stand up for our families and children and ensure they are not exposed to these carcinogens anymore. Michigan must join the 36 other states that have banned this practice to protect our residents."
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.
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 Tuesday exempts certain cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores because those businesses feature smoking as the primary source of their commerce. The plan also exempts casinos, which would face competitive disadvantages with tribal casinos that would threaten their viability.
"Creating a stronger, better Michigan demands that we protect the health of Michigan families," Dean said. "This is a big step forward for our state. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to do the right thing and quickly pass this plan that will help save thousands of lives."