An anniversary toast for smoke-free state

The American Cancer Society believes it's both appropriate and timely to pause at this time of the year and reflect on one of the best things to happen in Illinois in 2008 - namely, the state's decision to go smoke-free.

Jan. 1 marked the one-year anniversary of Smoke-Free Illinois, the law that enables everyone who visits or works in indoor public places to breath cleaner air, free of the cancer-causing toxins caused by secondhand smoke. For the past year, bartenders and wait staff haven't had to sacrifice their health for a paycheck.

Families have been able to dine out without the risk of exposure to a proven cancer causer. Everyone has been free to enjoy a meal or drink - and the company of others - without breathing poison-filled air.

Make no mistake: Illinois is healthier because of this law. And it is costing Illinoisans and Illinois businesses less money because of this law. Best of all, the pain and suffering caused by secondhand smoke - the third most preventable cause of cancer - is being reduced.

So this New Year's Eve, as we celebrate with family and friends, let's toast this monumental public health victory for all Illinoisans. Raise your glasses high and take a deep, healthful breath of the cleaner indoor air we now enjoy.

Mary Maryland

President

American Cancer Society - Illinois Division