Smoking - Breathe Free Philadelphia Alliance
We have known for some time that smoking causes death and disease. Now we know that secondhand smoke does, too. Secondhand smoke is a toxic substance; it contains over 4,000 chemicals, at least 69 of which are known to cause cancer. The scientific evidence on the health risks associated with exposure is clear, convincing and overwhelming. Secondhand smoke is a known cause of lung cancer, heart disease, low birth-weight births, and chronic lung ailments such as bronchitis and asthma (particularly in children), as well as other health problems.
When someone smokes in a public place, everyone else in that space smokes too. Most of the smoke generated by a cigarette is distributed into the local atmosphere, polluting the lungs of all those exposed.
Just like people in offices, workers in restaurants, bars, and other places that are not yet smoke-free have the right to breathe clean air. No one should have to breathe toxic chemicals as a condition of employment. However, this is a real choice that far too many Philadelphians are forced to make. Those in blue-collar and service jobs are disproportionately exposed at the workplace, meaning that women and people of color carry the heaviest burden from Philly’s toxic environment.
Workplace exposure to secondhand smoke isn’t just a health issue; it’s a health justice issue. We need to protect everyone’s health, regardless of gender, race or class.
More than 75 million Americans already benefit from living in cities and states with comprehensive smoke-free laws. Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Dallas, Louisville, Austin; these are just some of the cities that have gone smoke-free, to great success. The list keeps growing, with New Jersey and Washington D.C. poised to join the fold. We know from their experiences that these policies do not hurt business. California, Boston and New York City have all seen stable or increased bar, restaurant, and hotel receipts. This is not a risky move by any means.
So what’s keeping Philly from taking this important step forward? Politics, it seems, has gotten in the way of public health. Smoke-free legislation was introduced last February and is currently stalled in City Council, lacking the nine votes needed to pass. We have more than enough information to guide a responsible decision, yet the political will and leadership is sadly lacking. We hope that Philadelphia’s elected officials will do the right thing in 2006 and steer our City in the right direction (make sure that you contact your representatives to voice your opinion on this critical issue).
Giving everyone the right to breathe clean air should not be a political battle. A comprehensive smoke-free law prohibiting smoking in the City’s workplaces would mean improved health and quality of life for tens of thousands of Philadelphians.
The Breathe Free Philadelphia Alliance is working with partners across the city to get the word out and garner support. Passing this law will be no small feat. We need your help to make change happen in City Hall! If you are interested in getting involved or have any questions please contact Katherine Gajewski, Campaign Coordinator, at 215.988.0458 or .
Sign the online petition and get more information at the Breathe Free Philadelphia website: http://www.breathefreephiladelphia.org