Smoke-free workplace legislation the right thing to do

To the editor:

Imagine working at a place where each employee is required to spend a full shift working in a room where the air contains 70 known cancer-causing chemicals, including formaldehyde, benzene and arsenic. As a condition of employment, the employee must consent to this environment or choose to work elsewhere.

Many Alaskans would say this is an intolerable situation that should not be allowed under any circumstances, and that a business owner could never get away with knowingly putting employees at risk.

Thus, it is hard to believe that thousands of Alaskans’ lives are put in danger each day in this exact way — those who make their living in restaurants, bars and other workplaces across the state that allow smoking. These employees are exposed to second-hand smoke day after day because there are no statewide protections in place.

Few actions by state lawmakers will have a greater positive impact on the health and well-being of Alaskans than passing a statewide smoke-free workplace law. This law will protect employees and customers from the dangers of second-hand smoke, saving thousands of lives and millions of dollars for taxpayers.

In addition to the health benefits, the numerous economic benefits this legislation would provide to our state are undeniable. Businesses, employees and taxpayers would all benefit from statewide smoke-free legislation because of insurance coverage, health care costs and other direct and indirect costs of second-hand smoke exposure.

Opponents argue that business owners have a right to choose whether they want to allow smoking inside their establishment. While I respect that business owners have the right to make decisions on behalf of their business, that right should not override an individual’s right to not have his or her most private property — their lungs — harmed by the choices of others. Businesses should not continue to put their employees in harm’s way.

Many cities have adopted comprehensive ordinances that prohibit smoking in indoor workplaces. But unfortunately, many Alaskans live in unincorporated cities or rural areas where no entity exists to pass or enforce this type of legislation. Without a statewide smoke-free workplace law, thousands of Alaskans will remain unprotected from second-hand smoke exposure.

I request support for the passage of Senate Bill 1 and with it, the health of all Alaskans.

Melissa G. Mudd

Palmer