ADOPTED - APRIL 10, 2007
AGENDA ITEM NO. 15
Introduced by the Human Services Committee of the:
INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR A CAMPAIGN FOR SMOKE FREE AIR
RESOLUTION #07-081
WHEREAS, the Environmental Protection Agency has classified secondhand smoke as a Group A Carcinogen and therefore concludes that secondhand smoke is a health risk to nonsmokers; and
WHEREAS, secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the country and has been proven to cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, emphysema and asthma; and
WHEREAS, studies show that children are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke, suffering more respiratory problems, ear infections and asthma, as a result of exposure to it; and
WHEREAS, worksites and public places are locations where children, members of the community and employees are exposed to secondhand smoke; and
WHEREAS, smoke free air policies have been shown to discourage kids from starting to smoke, to prompt more smokers to quit and to reduce the number of cigarettes that smokers consume; and
WHEREAS, Michigan’s Surgeon General has called on communities to work to reduce tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke; and
WHEREAS, local opinion surveys consistently demonstrate overwhelming popular demand for smoke free environments; and
WHEREAS, involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke is a serious public health hazard that is preventable by adopting regulatory policies; and
WHEREAS, it is the responsibility of local public health departments to protect the public health of their citizens.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners hereby supports legislation that will eliminate secondhand smoke in all Michigan restaurants, bars and worksites.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Clerk forward this resolution to Governor Granholm and legislators representing Ingham County.
HUMAN SERVICES: Yeas: Bahar-Cook, Schor, Tennis, Severino
Nays: None Absent: Hertel, Grebner Approved 4/09/07