Will Kentucky Finally Protect Its Citizens from Secondhand Smoke?

Kentucky's tobacco growing legacy looms large in the state. It has the third highest smoking rate in the country and ranks number one in teen smoking. Twenty-seven percent of pregnant women smoke in the Bluegrass State, twice the national average. Tobacco taxes are woefully low, and there are no state-wide laws protecting workers from secondhand smoke exposure.

But at least one the those sorry statistics might change in 2011.  This week, state legislators introduced House Bill 193, which would prohibit smoking in public places and places of employment. The bill is expected to pass the Health and Welfare Committee, ultimately facing a full vote by the House this year.

This could be a chance for Kentucky to move into the 21st century and recognize the serious health threats of secondhand smoke. But already, some representatives have decided they don't want to. "I will be reluctant to vote for it at this time. I think it's not quite time for us to have a full-state ban," Representative Rick Rand told the Madison Courier.

But when will be the time? Evidence mounts almost daily about the the dangers of secondhand smoke.

The health effects are indisputable. Secondhand smoke contains at least 250 toxic chemicals, including 50 that cause cancer. A recent study found that exposure to secondhand smoke can raise the blood pressure in kindergartners; it also ups the frequency of asthma attacks and increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. In adults, it can cause heart disease, including heart attacks and lung cancer.

What's more, a 2009 Institute of Medicine reports found that even brief exposures to secondhand smoke could trigger heart attacks. Researchers have concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Yet despite the health risks and costs to society, over half the states our nation still allow smoking indoors. While many cities and counties have taken implemented smoke-free laws, 88 million Americans are still exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis. It's a completely unnecessary exposure that puts worker, citizen and children's health on the line.

Kentucky stands to gain lives and funds by passing this law. Not only does the tobacco-growing state lead the nation in deaths due to smoking, the habit costs the state about $1.5 billion dollars every year, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids.

Kentucky has a long row to hoe for comprehensive tobacco prevention, but passing HB 193 would be a huge step in the right direction. Urge state legislatures to ensure that public places are smoke-free.

Photo credit: Jo Naylor