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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Mike
Storm |
State Rep. Mike Gerber |
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Gerber proposes statewide smoking ban
HARRISBURG, May 10 – State Rep. Michael Gerber, D-Montgomery, is introducing landmark legislation that would provide a smoke-free environment in all public places across Pennsylvania, protecting people from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and potentially reducing smokers’ intake.
“I grew up with parents who smoked and I have seen the impact smoking likely had on their health, whether it’s my dad’s heart disease or my mom’s battle with cancer,” Gerber said. “I hope this legislation not only protects victims of secondhand smoke but also reduces the number of smokers in Pennsylvania.”
Pennsylvania is surrounded by states that have enacted some sort of smoking ban – Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Ohio. In total, 16 states have passed a smoking ban.
“The bottom line is that we are behind the times and need to step up to protect the health and quality of life of our residents. Research has proven over and over that smoking and secondhand smoke is incredibly harmful and often deadly,” Gerber said.
According to the American Lung Association, a 2006 study focused on secondhand smoke exposure produced the following findings:
- Secondhand smoke causes approximately 3,400 lung cancer deaths in adult nonsmokers in the United States each year.
- Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at work are at increased risk for adverse health effects. Levels of environmental tobacco smoke in restaurants and bars were found to be 2 to 5 times higher than in residences with smokers and 2 to 6 times higher than in office workplaces with smokers.
- A study found that nonsmokers exposed to environmental smoke were 25 percent more likely to have coronary heart diseases compared to nonsmokers not exposed to smoke.
- Secondhand smoke exposure may cause buildup of fluid in the middle ear, resulting in 700,000 to 1.6 million physician office visits per year, and can aggravate asthma and other ailments.
In 2006, the U.S. Surgeon General also reported that secondhand smoke can worsen asthma for children and put them at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, respiratory infections and ear problems.
Several Pennsylvania municipalities and counties have passed their own smoking ban, including Scranton, Alleghany County and Philadelphia. Gerber said he believes his statewide ban would not only protect more Pennsylvanians from the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke, but would also level the playing field for businesses in those areas where bans are already in effect.
“We have known for years that smoking kills. And we now have indisputable, scientific evidence that secondhand smoke exposure can lead to lung cancer, heart disease and increased risks of asthma and sudden infant death syndrome in children. Secondhand smoke can no longer be considered a nuisance; it’s a proven, serious health risk,” Gerber concluded.
Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato are two of the many officials across Pennsylvania supporting a statewide smoking ban.
“The city of Scranton was proud to pass the citywide smoking ban and feels that it has reinforced Scranton’s image as a progressive city. We offer our support for Representative Gerber’s legislation for a statewide smoking ban and know that it will reinforce Pennsylvania’s image as a progressive state,” Doherty said.
“It’s important that all 67 counties are included so that businesses have a level playing field,” Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato said. “I support Representative Gerber’s efforts to bring this issue forward in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.”
Gerber’s bill, which has strong bi-partisan support, will be referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee for initial consideration.
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