Letter to the editor: Smoking, vaping in public spaces must end

In 2008, Pennsylvania passed its first statewide smoke-free air law restricting smoking in most public places. The law is outdated and doesn’t include e-cigarette devices that are being used in public spaces. Furthermore, 1,300-plus venues across the commonwealth still allow smoking indoors. This means thousands of workers are exposed to the chemicals, carcinogens and toxins of secondhand smoke. Research consistently tells us: There is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the impacts of secondhand smoke on the body are immediate and that even brief exposure can damage the lining of blood vessels, increase the risk of heart attack and damage the body’s cells in ways that “set the cancer process in motion.” Imagine what an 8-hour work shift can do.

State and local governments have a responsibility to protect the health of their citizens.

A comprehensive smoke-free air policy that ends smoking and vaping in all public spaces, like the one proposed by Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, would allow everyone in Pennsylvania to work in a safe, smoke-free environment. No employee should have to choose between their health and their paycheck.

Lauren Chappel

Bridgeville

The writer is a health promotions specialist with the American Lung Association in Pennsylvania.