FROM: The Beckley (WV) Register Herald

DATE: 12/29/04

Secondhand Smoke a Public Health Threat

The Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a Class A carcinogen (a cancer causing agent) - the same as asbestos. In fact, there are over 60 carcinogens in secondhand smoke. This classification means that secondhand smoke is not safe at any level. Thus secondhand smoke is a public health threat.

This summer, the Centers for Disease Control issued a warning for people who are at risk for heart disease to stay away from secondhand smoke. Thus secondhand smoke is a public health threat.

Many asthmatic children and adults suffer immensely from secondhand smoke and some even die from its exposure. Many asthmatic sufferers cannot eat in local restaurants. Thus secondhand smoke is a public health threat.

In December 2003, the state Supreme Court upheld the local boards of health's authority to regulate the public's exposure to secondhand smoke on public and private property.

Every board of health has the obligation to protect the public's health (State Code Section 16). This is why the Beckley-Raleigh County Board of Health passed a 100 percent smoke-free restaurant/worksite policy in October.

Since the Clean Indoor Air Regulation has gone into effect, businesses have not suffered and most of the hospitality workers are thankful for the regulation. Asthmatics can freely go into public buildings. Studies will also show that in time the heart attack rate in Raleigh County will decrease - because secondhand smoke raises the blood pressure rate.

The citizens of Raleigh County owe the board of health a huge "thank you."

Donald R. Reed Jr.

Welch