Genesee County Health Department

Better Life Through Better Health

Release Date:  Immediate Release              Kill Date:  February 15, 2008  

Contact Person:  Ann Goldon                       Phone:  (810) 341-5898

 RE:  Recent Study Shows Michigan Worker Died from Exposure to Secondhand Smoke—Need for Smoke-free Indoor Air Remains Clear

A new study in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine found that a young waitress working in a bar in Michigan died from acute asthma due to exposure to secondhand smoke at work.  According to the study abstract, public health surveillance systems were used to investigate the woman’s death.  The 2006 United States Surgeon General’s Report on secondhand smoke found that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.  However, employees in bars and restaurants, remain exposed to secondhand smoke. 

“In addition to the Surgeon General’s report, this tragedy makes it increasingly clear that Michigan desperately needs smoke-free legislation to protect workers.  No worker should have to choose between their job and their health,” stated Jan Roberts, Childhood Asthma Task Force Coordinator and Smoke-free, Multi-Agency, Resource Team Member. 

Genesee County is covered by a health regulation that provides for smoke-free indoor air in all worksites and public places, excluding bars and restaurants.   Restaurants and bars that wish to become smoke-free can voluntarily implement a 100% smoke-free policy.  Approximately 290 restaurants in Genesee County are already smoke-free.  For a copy of the Genesee County Smoke-free Dining Guide contact the Genesee County Health department at 257-3612 or visit the website at www.gchd.us.

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