Dear Editor:

Indiana passed the State’s first statewide smoke-free air law in 2012.  The law restricts smoking in most public places. The 2012 law still leaves many employees unprotected from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

A comprehensive smoke-free air policy would include workplaces and sites including bars, fraternal clubs, private clubs, tobacco retailers and tobacco specialty shops. The United States Surgeon General and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention support comprehensive smoke-free air policies to protect the citizens from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

State and local governments have a responsibility to protect the health of their citizens. Every citizen and employee should be afforded the right to work in a safe, smoke-free environment. A comprehensive smoke-free air policy protects citizens and employees from exposure to secondhand smoke.

Research consistently shows that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure. Secondhand smoke contains more than 70 carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) as well as thousands of chemicals and toxins.

Your support of a comprehensive smoke-free air policy will help to move to move us towards a healthier Kosciusko County.

— Heidi Blake, Program Director, Kosciusko County Tobacco Free Coalition