Do you have a clean air initiative in your city? If you don’t now, there may be one in your future. People from more than 20 cities across Ohio are organizing to bring clean indoor air to their city. Many cities across Ohio, including Toledo and Columbus, have already approved clean indoor air laws. Supporters of these laws want to protect workers and customers in restaurants, bars and other public places from secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke is a health hazard that can harm non-smokers, it is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Studies have shown that separating smokers from nonsmokers, does not eliminate a nonsmokers exposure to the hazards of secondhand smoke. In fact, sitting behind someone smoking in a bar for just two hours is the equivalent of smoking six cigarettes! There is no safe level of secondhand smoke.

Since secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone, it is necessary to limit smoking in areas where it can hurt others. The evidence is overwhelming that smoke-free laws protect heath without harming business. Dozens of studies have shown that smoke-free laws do not harm sales or employment in restaurants and bars, and they may even have a positive impact. One year after New York enacted its smoke free workplace law businesses were thriving and customers and employees alike are breathing clean, healthy air.

In November, Columbus voters upheld a clean indoor air law that was first approved by Columbus City Council in June. The Columbus law is one of the most farreaching laws to be approved. It prohibits smoking in all workplaces, including bars, restaurants, bingo parlors and bowling alleys.

These new laws are an important issue for Ohioans. They will have a lasting impact on the health of citizens for years to come. To find out what you can do to help in your community check out the box below or contact Jason Fallon, Tobacco-Free Collaborative Coordinator, at 614-462-3718.