Dear Editor,

As the Health Officer for the Mid-Michigan District Health Department, which serves the residents of Clinton, Gratiot and Montcalm counties, I took an oath to protect the health of our community, and I believe that everyone has a right to breathe clean, smoke-free air.

In recent years there has been an increase in the public’s awareness of the dangers of second-hand smoke and our local leaders have responded by working together to reduce the number of tobacco-related illnesses in our community as well as the associated costs with treating those workers.

On December 10, the Michigan Legislature passed a ban on workplace smoking in Michigan. Our state now joins 37 others who have already acted to protect employees as well as restaurant and bar patrons from the dangers of second-hand smoke. This is a very positive milestone that will provide long-term benefits to the health and well-being of all Michigan citizens.

No other industry allows workers to toil in conditions where they are consistently inhaling a Class A carcinogen. Yet waitstaff, bartenders and other restaurant and bar employees are routinely exposed to toxins that are known to cause ailments from respiratory diseases to cancer. In recent years, the magnitude of the danger of second-hand smoke has been more clear, as well as the public health risk posed to both employees and patrons of smoking establishments.

As Michigan struggles with a lagging economy and our public health infrastructure feels the strain, enacting a ban on workplace smoking will drastically improve Michigan’s public health outlook in a manner that will not consume precious public resources. Restaurant patrons and employees will be able to breathe easier once the ban takes effect in May. It is not a moment too soon.

Please join me in thanking Senator Kahn and Representative Opsommer for their support.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Singh, M.A.

Health Officer

Mid-Michigan District Health

Department