Prepare for cleaner air in Illinois Jan. 1

Starting in January, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act takes effect, protecting all workers, residents and visitors from the cancer-causing poisons contained in indoor secondhand smoke.

Secondhand smoke is a major public health hazard and the third leading cause of preventable death in America. As the U.S. Surgeon General has concluded, there simply is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It causes cancer, heart attacks, pneumonia, coronary heart disease, emphysema, acute respiratory infections, ear disease and asthma. In Illinois, exposure to secondhand smoke kills 2,900 people each year -- that's eight people every day.

The American Cancer Society believes that all workers should enjoy the same protections of smoke-free work environments. This is particularly important for the hospitality and gaming industry where studies show their employees are at 20 to 30 percent increased risk of developing cancer because of exposure to secondhand smoke.

In addition, contrary to what some may believe, the most reputable studies have shown that smoke-free policies do not have a negative, long-term economic impact on businesses. In fact, many studies indicate favorable long-term effects.

Poll after poll indicates that the vast majority of people in this state want to work in or be able to visit all public spaces and workplaces without jeopardizing their health and risking disease.

January 1 will soon be here. We encourage all Illinoisans to take a deep, clean breath of air and celebrate our healthier future together.

Robert A. Bayer, M.D.

Board president

Fox Valley Region

American Cancer Society

Batavia