Workplaces
The Surgeon General
has concluded that going smoke-free is the only effective way to eliminate
secondhand smoke exposure in the workplace.
The
workplace is a major source of secondhand smoke exposure.
Secondhand smoke has been shown increase heart disease and lung cancer
risk.
Blue collar and service employees are much more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace than white collar workers.
A restaurant employee's secondhand smoke exposure is typically 3-5 times
higher than in other workplaces. One in five restaurant employees is a teenager.
Restaurant, bar and hospitality
workers are the occupational group most likely to suffer adverse health
effects due to secondhand smoke exposure. A California study found that waitresses were almost four times more likely
to die of lung cancer than other occupational groups.
Bars
have some of the highest secondhand smoke levels. Bar workers
and patrons are therefore particularly at risk.
Separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning the
air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposure.
Monongalia County's current regulation has very weak workplace provisions.
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