|
All North Carolinians have the right to breathe clean air. Smoke filled air is not healthy for anyone, but carries special risks for pregnant women, young children, those with asthma or respiratory problems, and those with heart disease..
If you live in North Carolina, you will be thrilled to know that as of January 2, 2010 the entire state was covered by a law prohibiting smoking in all restaurants and nearly all bars and clubs.
Everyone deserves a breath of fresh air! Click the link to the right to see the most recent update on smokefree policies.
Did you know that:
- Since the Smokefree Bars and Restaurants Law went into effect in January 2010, studies have shown that there has been an 89% improvement in indoor air quality in restaurants and bars in North Carolina (DHHS, 2010).
- According to a 2009 Elon University poll, 82% of North Carolinians believe that secondhand smoke is a health hazard, and 87% believe that everyone has a right to work in an environment free from secondhand smoke.
- Evidence states that there is no risk free level of exposure to secondhand smoke (SGR, 2006)
- Smoke from the burning end of a cigarette contains more than 4000 chemicals, with at least 40 carcinogens. (SGR, 2006)
- Even ventilation experts agree that the only effective way to eliminate toxic exposure to secondhand smoke is to ban indoor exposure entirely. There is no way for a ventilation system to adequately remove toxins to a safe level. (SGR, 2006)
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns (2004) that exposure to secondhand smoke as little as 30 minutes can substantially increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
- Restaurant and bar employees are among the workers least likely to be covered by comprehensive health insurance, but (prior to 2010) were the most vulnerable to the health effects of secondhand smoke, while white collar workers with the best health insurance are the most likely to be protected by a smokefree policy in the worksite.
|
|
