Favors smoke-free in Palmer

To the editor:

I’ve seen a lot of changes in my life. We live in a world where typewriters seem quaint somehow and where few remember what a rotary phone looks like. However, with all of this change, there is still one thing we do know without a doubt — second-hand smoke kills. It’s the leading cause of heart disease.

Actually, we’ve known that for a while, but for many of us the ramifications are just sinking in. People have the right to breathe smoke free air at work and in public. They shouldn’t have to choose between their own health and a job in a poisonous setting.

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that secondhand tobacco smoke causes heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory infections. Short exposures to secondhand smoke can cause blood platelets to become stickier, damage the lining of blood vessels, and decrease coronary flow velocity reserves; all mechanisms that may increase the risk of a heart attack.

Palmer should lead the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and join other cities — like Unalaska, Haines, and Nome — in standing up for our health.

Please vote yes for Prop 3 on Oct. 2.

David Cheezem, chair Smoke Free Palmer