 by Kattaryna Stiles March 15, 2004
Secondhand smoke kills. These irrefutable facts are backed by credible health organizations such as the National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Surgeon General and others organizations dedicated to improving public health. It makes sense that tobacco companies would try to discredit the facts about secondhand smoke since their own profits decrease each time a new smokefree workplace law is enacted. No surprise when you consider that they are the makers of the only legal product which, when used as directed, kills. Local polls show that Ketchikan residents want smokefree establishments. Most people do not smoke and would prefer to patronize smokefree businesses. How many times have you said or heard someone else say, "if only that place was smokefree, I'd go there more often"? And credible economic studies show that consumers back up this claim with their wallets. The only reports of economic hardship on businesses that go smokefree are those sponsored by the tobacco industry. Please let your city council members know that you support smokefree workplaces and public places in Ketchikan to protect the health of Ketchikan workers and residents. It's good for people and good for business! Kattaryna Stiles and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sitnews.
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