 "In Illinois, we are doing what we can to protect the health of
families and working people," Blagojevich said. "I am proud to sign
this legislation that makes it safe for people to visit or work in
restaurants and bars without putting their health at risk. I would
like to thank Representative Yarbrough and Senator Link on their
hard work to keep Illinoisans safe from lung cancer."Senate Bill
500 supersedes most local ordinances that may have been considered
weak, such as allowing a phased-in smoking ban or exempting
establishments that installed approved air filtration systems.
"More than any administration in Illinois history, Governor
Blagojevich is committed to improving the health of this state,"
said Dr. Eric E. Whitaker, director of the Illinois Department of
Public Health. "We are the first state in the country to ensure
access to health care for all kids. We have made prescription drugs
more affordable for thousands of Illinois seniors, and we have
expanded screening and treatment options for breast and cervical
cancer. Tobacco use is the single largest cause of preventable
premature death in the United States, and now Illinois has taken
steps to prevent more exposure to secondhand smoke."
Illinois workers face serious health risks related to secondhand
smoke. The U.S. surgeon general's June 2006 report concluded that
there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Research
shows that workers exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis are
20 percent to 30 percent more likely to develop cancer than other
workers. In fact, one eight-hour shift in a smoky workplace is
equivalent to smoking 16 cigarettes. Secondhand smoke is a
preventable cause of disease and death, both in adults and children.
"Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer in both men and
women," said Yarbrough, House sponsor of the legislation. "I would
like to thank the governor for his unwavering commitment to public
health for this great state of ours."
"Cigarette smoke in restaurants is not only unpleasant for
nonsmoking patrons," said Link, who sponsored the bill in the
Senate. "That smoke is dangerous -- both for diners and employees.
This bill will make public places safer for everyone, and I am proud
to be associated with this important legislation."
"A smoke-free Illinois is a healthy Illinois," said state Rep.
Barbara Flynn Currie, D-Chicago. "I am delighted the governor is
signing SB 500. I appreciate the help we've had from the many
advocacy organizations that promote wellness for all."
"Secondhand smoke has a measurable effect on the heart, resulting
in decreased oxygen levels," said R. Andrew Rauh, M.D., president of
the Chicago Metropolitan Board of the American Heart Association and
a cardiologist with the Midwest Heart Specialists. "The American
Heart Association commends Governor Blagojevich for signing the
Smoke Free Illinois Act. With today's historic signing, he has
ensured reductions in heart attacks and strokes."
"According to published health statistics, it is estimated that
the Smoke Free Illinois Act will save more lives than the seat
belts," says Joel Africk, CEO of the Respiratory Health Association
of Metropolitan Chicago. "And based on the evidence in other
smoke-free states, Illinois should see a drop in lung cancer rates
of up to 20 percent and a 10 percent decline in all tobacco-related
deaths. We commend the governor and the Illinois General Assembly
for their leadership and commitment to improving and protecting the
lung health of all Illinoisans."
"The Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco began working on a
smoke-free law 19 years ago, and today marks a major milestone in
those efforts," said Janet Williams, co-chair of the coalition.
"Because Illinois voters, the General Assembly and Governor
Blagojevich recognize the health risks associated with secondhand
smoke exposure, Illinois becomes smoke-free on Jan. 1, 2008."
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People may still smoke in their homes, cars, outdoors, private
nursing home rooms, home offices not open to the public, retail
tobacco shops, and certain hotel or motel rooms. Smokers who violate
the law by smoking at indoor public places can be fined between $100
and $250. Establishments that violate the law can be charged an
amount between $100 and $250 for the first violation and a minimum
of $250 for a second violation within a year. Subsequent violations
within a year of the first violation will cost establishments at
least $2,500. "The unsung heroes behind this victory are members
of 60 grass-roots coalitions, guided by the American Lung
Association, that passed local ordinances and laid the foundation
for this statewide law. Thanks to these heroes from all walks of
life, everyone in Illinois -- regardless of where they work or live
-- will be protected from secondhand smoke," said Kathy Drea,
director of public policy for the American Lung Association of
Illinois.
"We see workers from all walks of life in our practices who
suffer because they work in a cloud of secondhand smoke," said
Kathleen J. Miller, M.D., president of the Illinois Academy of
Family Physicians. "The Smoke Free Illinois Act supports families by
ensuring safe, smoke-free workplaces, which keeps workers healthier
and on the job."
The event was attended by a number of individuals who praised the
governor for signing the legislation. They shared stories of
survival and overcoming the devastating health effects of cigarette
smoke they lived with -- despite the fact that none of them were
smokers.
Barb Nation of Springfield had a tumor and part of her lung
removed at the age of 29. She now requires the use of oxygen and has
chronic respiratory problems. Her doctor was convinced she was a
smoker, when in actuality she is a nonsmoker surrounded by smokers.
"I am grateful to Governor Blagojevich and the American Cancer
Society for making Smoke Free Illinois a reality," she said. "This
is a 30-year battle for me, and it's now finally ended with the
signing of this law."
Mary Rondoni of Rogers Park was diagnosed with throat cancer in
2003 after spending over 15 years working in restaurants and bars
that permit smoking. She has since undergone chemotherapy and
radiation, as well as a feeding tube doctors put in place. She was
forced to change careers and now works out of her home.
"I believe the public has spoken," she said. "If you want to
light up, please do it at home, where it doesn't compromise the
health of others and where we earn a living."
Lisa Cristia of Chicago has never smoked but has spent much of
her adult life working as a bartender or waitress in establishments
that allow smoking. She began developing respiratory problems in her
mid-20s, and she was diagnosed with stage three tongue and throat
cancer. After having three-fourths of her tongue and 23 lymph nodes
removed, she has had to relearn how to breathe, eat and speak.
"This is momentous for me and countless others," she said.
"Starting in January, no one in Illinois will have to suffer from
the toxic effects of secondhand smoke, whether in their workplace or
just hanging out with their friends and family in an indoor public
setting. Now, I know that everything I went through was worth it. I
would have given back every dime I made working in the hospitality
business if I could have had my health back. No amount of money was
worth the suffering."
Smoking-related statistics for Illinois:
-
Illinois is now the
19th state to have a ban on smoking in public.
-
Each year in
Illinois, more than 16,000 people die from smoking-related
illnesses.
-
Currently in
Illinois, 24.3 percent of adults and 29.2 percent of youth
smoke.
-
Each year in
Illinois, there are $3.2 billion in direct medical expenditures
related to smoking.
-
Each year in
Illinois, secondhand smoke kills 2,900 adults and children.
This law goes into effect Jan. 1, 2008.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
