Voice of the People - January 1, 2009 Jan 1, 2009
He claims that "more people die each year from..." and follows with a list of things purportedly more lethal than secondhand smoke ... Public health experts around the world concur with our surgeon general, who wrote, "The scientific evidence is now indisputable: secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance. It is a serious health hazard that can lead to disease and premature death in children and nonsmoking adults ... There is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke exposure.". (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Support for smoking ban Jan 1, 2009
County manager Jim Bakers report which included findings about secondhand smoke from the U.S. surgeon general also might have helped influence the councilmen ... Now that researchers have determined that secondhand smoke can be deadly even in small amounts, nonsmokers need government protection from involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke in public places ... Employees in a smoke-filled bar often inhale the equivalent of several packs of cigarettes a day in secondhand smoke, seriously... (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Smoking Ban Leads To Fewer Heart Attacks Jan 1, 2009
(December 31, 2008)--A government study suggests that secondhand smoke is a very serious public health threat ... One of the researchers says the study suggests that secondhand smoke may be a terrible and under-recognized cause of heart attack deaths in this country. (KWTX.com, TX)
New NC laws in 2009 Jan 1, 2009
Supporters argued the law will protect passengers from secondhand smoke and cut down on car cleaning expenses. City and county governments also will have authority to approve similar motor-fleet restrictions. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Ask Dog Lady: Make a dogged effort to quit smoking Dec 31, 2008
If secondhand smoke is toxic for our lungs, can you imagine how it affects your dog or any living creature in your smoggy orbit. Sure, it s hard to think about and easy to feel guilty about. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Feelings mixed on new smoke ban Dec 31, 2008
AlbanyResident wrote on Dec 30, 2008 2:48 PM:" Alice Todd - how ignorant! I will not support Oregon and its law because they are taking away a right, she said. What about every person's right to breathe clean, healthy air? When a person chooses to smoke, they choose not only to pollute the air, the Earth (with littered butts), and their own lungs and hearts, but the lungs and hearts of non-smokers within breathing distance. Choose to smoke if you are so inclined (although I have to question your... (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Resolve to quit tobacco this year Dec 31, 2008
"With the chemicals in the tobacco and the secondhand smoke gone from their homes, they may also realize some savings from decreased medical and dental costs for themselves and their family members.". Copyright. (Wahpeton Daily News, ND)
Weirdest travel stories of 2008 Dec 30, 2008
No secondhand smoke, but a contact high is just fine. The Netherlands banned smoking in bars and restaurants in July, with one notable exception: marijuana is still OK. Patrons can still smoke it in Amsterdam's "coffee shops," where they can buy up to 5 grams a day to smoke on the premises, according to London's Daily Telegraph. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Travel)
Outside the box? Dec 27, 2008
We can celebrate the New Year knowing employees and patrons alike will be protected from the serious health effects of secondhand smoke. On Jan. 11, Calderwood is having all employees of The White Owl come in to help scrub down the bar in an effort to make it more accommodating for non-smokers. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Almost Half of Kids Still Exposed to Secondhand Smoke Dec 23, 2008
FRIDAY, Dec. 19 (HealthDay News) -- Despite progress in establishing clean indoor air policies, 42 percent of U.S. children are still exposed to secondhand smoke each week, according to a new survey. Secondhand smoke increases children's risk of developing asthma, ear infections and cavities and increases infants' risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) ... Seventy-five percent of American households forbid smoking in the home and car, but children in one-quarter of U.S. families aren't... (MEDLINEplus)
Studies: Big Tobaccoundermined research in Asia Dec 23, 2008
The researchers claimed that Philip Morris planted a scientist in Chulabhorn Research Institute in Bangkok in a bid to get researchers to play down the impact of secondhand smoke ... The researchers say this allowed Philip Morris to develop relationships with key officials and scientists in efforts to discount the threat of secondhand smoke ... The researchers say documents show that the company provided training for industry, public officials and the media to spread its message that secondhand... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
* Tobacco firms funded, infiltrated research Dec 23, 2008
The researchers say this allowed Philip Morris to develop relationships with key officials and scientists in efforts to discount the threat of secondhand smoke ... The researchers say documents show that the company provided training for industry, public officials and the media to spread its message that secondhand smoke was an insignificant source of pollution. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
'Few take up smoking without knowing the risks' Dec 22, 2008
For a start, the data which E only looked at secondhand smoke exposure from participants spouses, ignoring exposure in the workplace (where smoking was extremely prevalent at the time) ... And there was no control group of nonsmokers who were unexposed to secondhand smoke ... The anti-smokers are guilty of flagrant scientific fraud for ignoring more than 50 studies, which show that human papillomaviruses cause over ten times more lung cancers than they pretend are caused by secondhand smoke. (Scotsman)
Tobacco-related illnesses take a toll on Klamath Dec 21, 2008
Secondhand smoke dangers. Secondhand smoke is dangerous, too ... Secondhand smoke is the leading cause of asthma and ear infections in children. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
IPCPR Salutes Michigan Legislature for Not Enacting Smoking Ban Dec 21, 2008
"It should be left up to individual business owners to decide whether or not they allow smoking on their premises. Their employees and customers can then decide whether or not to work there or patronize them. The bottom line is that, although nothing happens to anyone if he or she gets an incidental whiff of secondhand smoke, if you don't want to smell smoke, don't go into an establishment that allows smoking.". Contact: Tony Tortorici 678/493-0313 tony@tortoricipr. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
City advocates room to breathe Dec 21, 2008
On one side is overwhelming evidence that secondhand smoke is a major cause of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease for people who breathe those toxins ... More importantly, if evidence exists that secondhand smoke kills approximately 4,000 Americans every year and that breathing someone else's smoke is harmful at any level, why would anyone oppose a smoking ban. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Girlfriend stays involved with her ex Dec 20, 2008
His apartment had two distinguishing features -- stacks of quarters and the smell of secondhand smoke. Because we were both busy people, we had seen each other only twice in about a year, but maintained a phone and e-mail friendship. (Erie Times-News, PA)
Secondhand smoke deaths expected to drop Dec 19, 2008
$7 online stock trades. Report: Public smoking bans may contribute to a predicted 30 percent dip. (MSNBC -- Health)
Voice of the People - December 18, 2008 Dec 18, 2008
More people die each year from auto crashes, falls, poisoning, fire and burns, drowning, suffocation and firearms than from secondhand smoke. Yet I don't see our elected officials seeking to outlaw driving, ladders, toxins, matches, swimming, pillows, plastic bags, or guns. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
More of this story Dec 18, 2008
Researchers, medical providers say secondhand smoke poses risks ... This week this newspaper presents health issues related to secondhand smoke from medical experts and reaction of those in the medical field to Sen ... Kristen Page Nei with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, states the evidence is irrefutable regarding the devastating effects of secondhand smoke. (Cut Bank Pioneer Press - Golden Triangle, MT)
Casinos looking to expand space for smoking Dec 17, 2008
"It's unfortunate, and we are disappointed that casinos would take any measures to increase the number of their employees exposed to secondhand smoke. "From our perspective, allowing smoking on even 25 percent of a casino floor is too much. Studies have shown that air filtration systems [at casinos] don't remove all the carcinogens from the air and aren't an effective way to eliminate secondhand smoke. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Smoking ban fails to curb the habit: Figures reveal men are ... Dec 17, 2008
A spokesman for the Department of Health said: 'Smokefree laws were introduced to protect employees and the public from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. The legislation was never intended to be a measure to reduce smoking prevalence. (Daily Mail)
Boston Is Banning Tobacco Sales on Campus? Dec 16, 2008
"Boston has taken another step that puts it in the forefront in the United States in protecting people against secondhand smoke," the president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids ... They the sale of "any substance containing tobacco leaf, including but not limited to cigarettes, cigars, pipe, tobacco, snuff, chewing tobacco and dipping tobacco." Last I heard, there's no secondhand smoke from chewing tobacco ... It's because secondhand smoke has become a political problem for themand... (Slate)
The Hottest New Gift Idea for the 2008 Holiday Season Is the New Electronic Cigarette By Smoking Everywhere Dec 15, 2008
"When someone craves a smoke," says Smoking Everywhere CEO Elicko Taieb, "they can just activate the electronic cigarette, puff on it like a normal cigarette, and inhale the nicotine-infused vapor that instantly evaporates into the air without a trace of secondhand smoke. The vapor contains a small dose of nicotine to provide the hit or buzz that the typical cigarette smoker craves. So users get a real smoking pleasure, even in places where those who rely on conventional cigarettes are banned or... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Confessions of a Conflicted Smoker Dec 14, 2008
In the cigar bar, I am lectured by a couple of cigar smokers, even though I repeatedly acknowledge that I can see their point: that the smoking ban was initially designed to protect bar and restaurant employees from having to work in an environment with secondhand smoke, while everyone who comes to a cigar bar, including the employees, accepts this willingly (all of the employees confirm this). I am ready to leave when I spot a guy leaning against a wall, alone, watching a Red Sox game on... (Boston Globe)
LETTERS: NCT, Dec. 14, 2008 Dec 14, 2008
" They only believe in giveaways that benefit themselves.While members of Congress should absolutely look out for their constituents' interests, they must also look out for the country's interests. The GOP, as they have for the last 50 years, has failed yet again. As a bonus, they've gotten to spit in the eye of the Midwestern middle class.Way to go, McConnell.Garth HansenEscondidoDog letter was most entertainingMr. Warren Talbot's letter, , had to be the most entertaining letter of the year. I... (North County Times)
Harm-reduction Cigarettes Are More Toxic Than Traditional Cigarettes, UC Riverside Study Finds Dec 13, 2008
4, 2007) A recent study that subjects with periodontitis who were exposed to secondhand smoke were more likely to develop bone loss, the number one cause of tooth. (May 18, 2007) The more a high school student overestimates the percentage of people in the general population who smoke cigarettes, the more likely he or she will be to smoke, according to a recent study. (Science Daily)
Letters to the Editor Dec 13, 2008
"Nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their heart disease risk by 25 to 30 percent and their lung cancer risk by 20 to 30 percent.". I appreciate the hard work that our Kingsburg Hospital employees do for us, but I respectfully request that they don't stand out on the street and engage in such a dangerous behavior. (Selma Enterprise, CA)
Hub enacts strict ban on tobacco sales Dec 12, 2008
"Boston has taken another step that puts it in the forefront in the United States in protecting people against secondhand smoke," said Matthew Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, an antismoking group based in Washington, D.C. "Boston rules are now as tough or tougher than [those in] any other city in the country.". Still, a tobacco-control researcher at the Boston University School of Public Health questioned whether the ban on drugstore and campus sales will achieve its... (Boston Globe)
Secondhand Smoke Boosts Asthmatic Boys' Behavior Woes Dec 12, 2008
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10 (HealthDay News) -- Secondhand smoke in the home increases the risk of behavioral problems in boys with asthma, researchers report ... For each doubling of secondhand smoke exposure, boys showed a twofold increase in behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, aggression, and depression ... The researchers found that secondhand smoke had no impact on girls, even though they were on average exposed to higher levels of tobacco smoke than boys. (MEDLINEplus)
AG plans ban on smoking in city parks Dec 11, 2008
He said statistics from the San Luis Obispo County Tobacco Control Program say 40,000 Californians die each year from smoking-related diseases, and 400 lung cancer deaths annually are attributed to secondhand smoke. Smoking also presents a fire hazard, Perrin said in a report to the council. (Santa Maria Times)
Give the Guy a Butt! Dec 11, 2008
Even secondhand smoke is deadly, we're told. But how about secondhand radioactive plutonium. (Slate)
MySpace Prosecutors Used Wrong Law Dec 10, 2008
What is needed is an educational campaign that makes bullying or harassing just as unacceptable as racial epithets or subjecting others to secondhand smoke. While cases like this one - an adult harassing a teen online - are rare, cyber-bullying is a real problem among teenagers, but it requires serious long-term solutions, not quick fixes and the inappropriate use of a federal anti-hacking law. (CBS News)
Headaches & Migraines Dec 10, 2008
So can unusual smells including pleasant scents, such as perfume and flowers, and unpleasant odors, such as paint thinner and secondhand smoke. Changes in wake-sleep pattern. (CNN -- Health)
Exposure To Second-Hand Smoke Reduced In New Estimate Dec 9, 2008
23, 2008) This is the first study to link secondhand smoke to increased risk of peripheral artery disease in women. Researchers found an increased risk of stroke and coronary heart disease in older Chinese. (Science Daily)
Smokeout a success Dec 9, 2008
Each year, an estimated 443,000 people die of smoking-related illnesses, including 38,000 deaths among nonsmokers as a result of secondhand smoke. By supporting events like the Great American Smokeout and offering support and encouragement to friends, family and co-workers as they struggle to quit, you can help both the smokers and nonsmokers in our community avoid becoming part of those statistics. (Wasilla Frontiersman, AK)
Toxic air still found in bars Dec 7, 2008
The U.S. Surgeon General determined in 2006 that secondhand smoke is deadly, and no risk-free level of exposure exists ... The fairest way for North Dakota to manage the dangers of secondhand smoke is to protect all workers and all patrons in every business. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Cutting The Cord To Determine Babies' Health Risk From Toxic Exposure Dec 6, 2008
5, 2008) Despite the well-known dangers of first- and secondhand smoke, an estimated ten percent of pregnant women in the U.S. are smokers ... 14, 2007) Exposure to secondhand smoke at work, home or elsewhere results in a disproportionate rise in markers that increase the risk of cardiovascular ... (June 27, 2006) U.S. Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona today issued a comprehensive scientific report which concludes that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. (Science Daily)
Secondhand smoke raises odds of fertility problems in women Dec 6, 2008
Public release date: 5-Dec-2008. Contact: Leslie White. (EurekAlert!)
Ensure a healthy home with 10 simple tips Dec 5, 2008
Secondhand smoke can cause serious health problems, especially for children. Ask smokers to take it outside. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Secondhand Smoke Causes Fertility Problems Dec 5, 2008
Women who breathed in secondhand smoke as children or young adults were later more likely to have trouble getting pregnant and suffer more miscarriages than women not exposed to smoke, U.S. researchers reported Thursday ... They were asked to give details of all pregnancies, attempts to get pregnant, and miscarriages, as well as their history of smoking and breathing secondhand smoke ... Women who remembered their parents smoking around them were 26 percent more likely to have had difficulty... (Newsmax)
Pass smoking ban Dec 4, 2008
Researchers offer ample evidence that even small amounts of secondhand smoke can be hazardous. Secondhand smoke has been linked to heart disease and several cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer and sinus cancer ... Employees in a smoke-filled bar often inhale the equivalent of several packs of cigarettes a day in secondhand smoke. (Herald Online, SC -- Opinion)
Lawmakers recommend smoking ban bill Dec 4, 2008
He said recent health studies have shown smoking bans reduce the incidence of heart problems and lung cancer among nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke ... Asked about concerns that secondhand smoke can hurt nonsmokers, Moser said, I understand the concern about employees, but people who work in bars do so because they choose to. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Smoke-free mandate set to begin Jan. 1 Dec 4, 2008
Peter wrote on Dec 3, 2008 5:31 PM:" I too say that I'm very happy that this day is finally coming. Over 80 percent of the adult population don't smoke. Their health certainly should trump the minor inconvenience to smokers of having to smoke outside. Secondhand smoke has been shown time and time again to he harmful to the health of all non-smokers. ". Here here wrote on Dec 3, 2008 4:06 PM:" I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about this change!! Being able to take kids to bowling alleys... (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
A better idea Dec 3, 2008
The health danger of secondhand smoke, even in open-air settings, is scientifically documented. The fire danger of smoking in state parks is also sadly well-documented. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Opinion)
Exposure to secondhand smoke reduced Dec 2, 2008
Public release date: 2-Dec-2008. Contact: AJPM Editorial Office. (EurekAlert!)
CARLSBAD: Woman campaigns to reduce cigarette trash Dec 1, 2008
Nonetheless, we don't need to be breathing in secondhand smoke. I also know that I could tell if you smoke. (North County Times)
Study: Students back smoking ban Dec 1, 2008
According to the survey, conducted by the Student Health Advisory Board, 75 percent who responded reported that secondhand smoke on campus bothers them, and 73 percent would support a smoke-free campus policy ... While there are problems from littering, secondhand smoke is the major concern ... Secondhand smoke is a known carcinogen, and there are a number of areas on campus where there is a fair amount of smoke outside buildings that people are encountering in their day-to-day travels, Histand... (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Wilton bar faces loss of liquor license for smoking violations Nov 28, 2008
He said he started to allow patrons to smoke in the bar after dismissing his employees because he claimed the intent of the ban was to protect workers from secondhand smoke. I have no employees to protect. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
17 comments Nov 26, 2008
Why Reporters -- and Judges and Professors -- Are Biased - HUMAN EVENTS. Why Reporters -- and Judges and Professors -- Are Biased by 11/25/2008 00004000. (Human Events Online)
New smokeless tobacco alarms health officials Nov 25, 2008
No secondhand smokeU.S. tobacco companies developed snus in response to both declining cigarette sales and consumer demand ... "There's no secondhand smoke. There's no spitting. We see it as a win-win," says Howard, the Reynolds spokesman. (MSNBC -- Politics)
New tobacco product alarms some health officials Nov 24, 2008
"There's no secondhand smoke. There's no spitting. We see it as a win-win," says Howard, the Reynolds spokesman. "It's also in line with company strategy. We're moving toward becoming a total tobacco company.". (Anchorage Daily News)
Senator wants to exempt some bars, casinos from smoking ban Nov 24, 2008
Linda Lee, supervisor of the Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program in the state Department of Public Health and Human Services, called secondhand smoke so toxic it's three times worse than the poor air quality from wildfires. There's a trend around the country and around the world to protect people from tobacco smoke, Lee said. (Missoulian, MT)
Lung cancer comes from more than smoking Nov 24, 2008
Environmental and occupational exposure to secondhand smoke, radon, asbestos, certain metals, some organic chemicals, radiation, and air pollution can also cause lung cancer ... Avoiding secondhand smoke will also help prevent lung cancer. (Hudson Register Star, NY)
Unpardonable Nov 23, 2008
The dangers of secondhand smoke are clear. Tobacco smoke is directly linked to nearly 1,000 U.S. deaths each day, with an esti mated 37,000 to 40,000 deaths nationwide each year from heart and blood vessel disease caused by secondhand smoke ... The American Heart Association strongly supports the rights of all individuals to work in a safe and healthy environment from the dangers of secondhand smoke. (NJ.com -- Times)
BMS students participate in 'Grim Reaper Day 2008' Nov 22, 2008
"This group of kids here at the middle school, they are very energetic and very enthusiastic and I think they will really get a lot of kids to listen to them." In Thursday's "Grim Reaper Day" assembly, 35 students stood before the student body wearing black T-shirts to represent the number of deaths that are attributed to secondhand smoke within a given seven-hour school day. During the assembly, students were asked to stand if their birthday falls during the month of November - a relatively... (Mid Iowa Enterprise, IA)
Taking on tobacco Nov 22, 2008
They think it was from secondhand smoke in his childhood ... Patrick Hollenbeck, who stopped at the Smokeout table at Safeway, said he doesn t want his child to grow up with secondhand smoke like he did ... Hollenbeck also had a family tragedy about secondhand smoke to share. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Great American Smoke-Out Aims to snuff out tobacco use Nov 22, 2008
Armed with the latest information about tobacco use, the Northwest and Southeast Halifax High School s T.A.T.U. peer educators set up a Lunch N Learn booth displaying information on the harmful effects of tobacco, secondhand smoke and quitting tips ... Throughout the year, young advocates take part in a variety of activities to protect their peers from tobacco, including working to develop policies that reduce teen tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Smokeout '08: The Perfect Time to Quit Nov 21, 2008
Each year, it causes 443,000 premature deaths, including 38,000 deaths among nonsmokers from secondhand smoke. Half the people who continue to smoke will die from smoking-related diseases, according to the American Cancer Society. (MEDLINEplus)
Rights of nonsmokers Nov 21, 2008
Secondhand smoke is a mixture of the side stream smoke released by the smoldering cigarette and the mainstream smoke smokers exhale ... Secondhand smoke is more dangerous than mainstream smoke ... We can effectively protect nonsmokers' rights by making active smokers aware of the danger cigarettes pose to secondhand smokers. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
2008 tobacco-free campaign targets young people Nov 21, 2008
College students should end their academic careers with a diploma, not an increased risk of cancer due to years of secondhand smoke, said NYS Lung Association Chief Executive Officer Louise Vetter. Policies keeping tobacco off college campuses counteract the efforts of Big Tobacco to target college students and help turn smoke free teens into smoke free adults. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Harold Meyerson: A job for Henry Waxman Nov 20, 2008
He publicized an obscure EPA report that established secondhand smoke as a carcinogen, uncovered the onetime Philip Morris lab director who had determined that nicotine was addictive, and publicly grilled tobacco company CEOs about their failure to share that fact with the public. By 1994, Robert Greenstein, then, as now, director of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, noted: "Waxman elevates to high art the blend of substantive policy knowledge, advocacy of policy improvements and... (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Great American Smoke Out held on Nov. 20 Nov 19, 2008
Each year, smoking accounts for an estimated 438,000 premature deaths, including 38,000 deaths among nonsmokers as a result of secondhand smoke ... Smoke-free workplace laws and other tobacco control legislation help protect Americans from secondhand smoke and encourage smokers to quit. (Storm Lake Pilot Tribune, IA)
Great American Smokeout: Two former smokers say they’re glad they finally kicked the habit Nov 19, 2008
Each year, smoking accounts for an estimated 438,000 deaths, including 38,000 deaths among nonsmokers as a result of secondhand smoke. Half of all Americans who continue to smoke will die from smoking-related diseases. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Missourians want to quit Nov 19, 2008
Sponsored annually by the American Cancer Society, the Great American Smoke out encourages smokers to give up tobacco to improve their own health as well as the health of others who are exposed to secondhand smoke. According to the state's new tobacco study, 57 percent of Missouri adults support smoke-free air indoors at public places to reduce the adverse health effects created by secondhand smoke ... "We can send a strong message about the health risks associated with tobacco use and... (Cameron Observer, MO)
