Sims, Edmonds, Plough statements on smoke free legislation

KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Statements on smoke free legislation by King County Executive Ron Sims, King County Board of Health Chair and Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds, and Director and Health Officer of Public Health - Seattle & King County Dr. Alonzo Plough:

We need a statewide comprehensive indoor smoking ban in public places to protect everybody from the risks of second hand smoke. Such a ban must include protections for people who work in our hospitality industry. These workers, who work long, hard hours to make us more comfortable, should not be exposed to a serious health hazard like second hand smoke while they work. Our own research shows us that these workers are mostly women and people of color. We must stand up for fairness for these workers so everybody has a right to a healthy work environment.

--King County Executive Ron Sims

Current laws already protect most workers from second hand smoke in the workplace, and the fairest way to protect the health of our whole community is to ban smoking in all indoor public places in the state. The advantages are overwhelming. Every jurisdiction that passes these bans finds business increases, and the number of people who quit smoking increases as well.

--King County Board of Health Chair
and Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds

Second hand smoke has long been established as a health hazard, and there is no safe level of exposure for children or adults. There is no doubt that breathing second hand smoke is linked to serious chronic diseases such as cancer and asthma. The best public health practice is to protect everybody from this hazard.

--Director and Health Officer of Public Health - Seattle & King County Dr. Alonzo Plough

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