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Talking Points:

Secondhand smoke contains 200 poisons, including 69 that cause cancer. It causes lung cancer, asthma, heart disease, and pregnancy complications including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Secondhand smoke kills a minimum of 53,000 nonsmokers every year.

No amount of ventilation can remove the cancer causing chemicals in secondhand smoke. The only way to protect everyone from the deadly effects of secondhand smoke is to support a 100% smokefree workplace policy. Sadly, DC has one of the nation?s weakest worker protection laws when it comes to secondhand smoke. DC law still permits smoking in hospitals and day care centers! This is wrong. I believe ALL workers should be protected.

Despite the tobacco industry's claims, passing a smokefree law will not cause a loss of revenue for bars, restaurants or other businesses. Every reputable study conducted over the past decade has shown the opposite effect. New York City has gained 1,500 new hospitality industry jobs since going smokefree in March of 2003.

Smoke-free laws protect health without hurting business. DC's leaders should follow the example of a growing number of states and communities around the country, including Montgomery County, and pass a strong smoke-free law that protects the right we all have to breathe clean air, free from the proven health hazards of secondhand smoke.

The real right in question is the right we all have to breathe clean air, free from the scientifically proven health hazards of secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including at least 69 known to cause cancer. It is a proven cause of lung cancer, heart disease, chronic respiratory diseases and other ailments. Everyone should be able to earn a living or enjoy a night out without being subject to these serious health hazards.

While some argue that other rights are involved, no right should be exercised in a way that puts at risk the health or safety of others. Given the dangers of secondhand smoke, it is reasonable to ask those who choose to smoke not to do so in ways that harm non-smokers.