KING COUNTY, WA - The American Lung Association of Washington recently completed a six-month secondhand smoke education campaign in King County bowling centers. The goal of the campaign was to help bowling center owners and managers make informed decisions about the benefits of creating smoke-free environments. The campaign was funded by a grant from Public Health- Seattle & King County.
"Bowling centers are a primary focus concerning secondhand smoke issues," said Astrid Berg, Executive Director of American Lung Association of Washington. "They are youth and family oriented venues, but are exempt from the Clean Indoor Air Act (RCW 70.16) in Washington state. Therefore, most of them allow smoking in their facilities."
"These smoke-free bowling centers make an important contribution to the health of our communities," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "The Lung Association has done excellent work in educating bowling alleys on the benefits of cleaner air for families and children."
As a result of the Lung Association's visits to 15 bowling centers in King County over the last six months, West Seattle Bowl now has dedicated smoke-free hours of operation and another local bowling center has committed to providing smoke-free hours in the future. The seven bowling centers that currently offer smoke-free hours also display education materials provided by the Lung Association. These materials highlight the risks associated with secondhand smoke and the impact smoking environments have on encouraging teens to start smoking. Lung Association staff also provided bowling centers with information about the statewide quit line, which provides free help to those interested in quitting smoking.
Secondhand smoke is dangerous and harmful to your health. It contains over 4,000 chemicals: 200 of which are known poisons, and 43 of which cause cancer. Children exposed to secondhand smoke have a higher risk of developing asthma and respiratory tract and middle ear infections. Nationally, 3,000 non-smokers die of lung cancer each year due to secondhand smoke.
A Smoke-free policy can help reduce legal liabilities of business owners. Studies indicate that 73% of people are physically bothered by tobacco smoke, with at least 15% needing to totally avoid exposure. Health insurance premiums can be 25%-35% less for smoke-free businesses. Many Seattle business owners have adopted smoke-free policies to provide a safe and healthy workplace.
Currently, there are two completely smoke-free bowling centers in King County. They have both shown an increase in business, as a result. "The biggest benefit that I have seen since becoming smoke-free bowling center is that it is a place families enjoying coming to," said Monica Goettel of Spin Alley in Shoreline.
The following centers provide smoke-free hours for bowlers:
- Spin Alley:
100% smoke-free; 1430 NW Richmond Beach Road; 206-533-2345 (Shoreline)
- Tech City:
100% smoke-free; 13033 NE 70th Place; 425-827-0785 (Kirkland)
- Hillcrest Bowl:
Saturday 9am-12pm, all day Sunday; 2809 NE Sunset Blvd; 425-226-1600 (Renton)
- Kent Bowl:
Saturday 9am-12pm; 1234 N Central; 253-852-3550
- Leilani Lanes:
All day Sunday; 10201 Greenwood N; 206-244-5060
- Magic Lanes:
Saturday 9am-12pm; Sunday 9am-6pm; 10612 15th SW; 206-244-5060 (N Burien)
- West Seattle Bowl:
Monday-Friday 3:00-5:30pm; 4505 39th SW; 206-932-3731
A survey conducted by the American Lung Association revealed that bowling center owners and managers would support a statewide effort to ban smoking in bowling centers. Until that happens, the fear of losing business prevents them from becoming completely smoke-free. The Lung Association will continue to follow up with bowling centers and provide support to them as needed.
For more information on this secondhand smoke education campaign, please call Mandana Varahrami, American Lung Association of Washington, at 206-441-5100, extension 30, or James Apa, Public Health - Seattle & King County, at 206-205-5442.
More information on the Public Health Tobacco Prevention Program is also available on their webpages at www.metrokc.gov/health/tobacco. To reach the statewide quit line, please call toll-free 1-877-270-STOP.
Founded in 1906, the American Lung Association of Washington's mission is to assure lung health for the people of Washington. For more information about the Lung Association's anti-tobacco, asthma, and air quality programs, please call 206-441-5100 or visit our website at www.alaw.org.
