LANSING – Oakland County House Democrats have voted in favor of legislation that would 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, which passed 73-31, now heads to the Senate for approval.
"Both as a parent and a legislator, I am committed to putting the health of our residents and their families first," said State Representative Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield). "We need to put an end to secondhand smoke in restaurants and bars and curtail the effects it has on the health of our residents. This smoking ban is a good first step toward a healthier and stronger Michigan."
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 to15,000 hospitalizations a year. It causes 430 sudden infant death syndrome deaths in the U.S. annually. In addition, new evidence links increases in asthma cases in children to secondhand smoke exposure.
"Though I support a full smoking ban with no exemptions, this vote is a move in the right direction." said State
Representative Vicki Barnett (D-Farmington Hills).
"Compromise is not always easy, but when the health of thousands of Michigan residents, workers and families are at
risk, I feel we have sent a good bill to the Senate. I hope they will move quickly on this issue and get a smoking ban
signed into law as soon as possible."
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 grants exemptions for casino floors, as the Detroit casinos would face competitive disadvantages with tribal casinos, which would threaten their viability.
"Limiting exposure to secondhand smoke protects Michigan's families, especially our children," said State Representative Vincent Gregory (D-Southfield). "It is our duty as lawmakers to protect Michigan residents from the dangers of secondhand smoke and other threats to their health. Banning smoking in bars and restaurants will help prevent thousands of illnesses and preventable deaths."