Explanation
Significant health concerns exist surrounding secondhand smoke. These include the recent finding by the United States Centers for Disease Control states that between 38,000 and 62,000 non-smoking Americans die every year from exposure to secondhand smoke; and the US Environmental Protection agency's classification of secondhand smoke as a "Class A Carcinogen." Such evidence has promoted health advocacy organizations to more aggressively promote public policy that restricts or prohibits smoking in public places.
In June, 2004 the Smoke-Free Columbus Coalition presented City Council its report and recommendations to pursue such policy in Columbus. Two public hearings by Council and electronic and phone options were made available to encourage the public and interested parties to submit testimony and thoughts on the matter.
This legislation, commonly known as the Smokefree Indoor Air Act of 2004, amends City Code Title 7 to enact a new Chapter to prohibit smoking in public places and places of employment.
Title
To amend Title 7 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, by enacting new Chapter 715, which prohibits smoking in public places and places of employment.
Body
WHEREAS, in the past twenty-five years more than 1,000 papers and studies have been published about secondhand smoke demonstrating severe and pervasive injury to those exposed; and
WHEREAS, the United States Centers for Disease Control states that between 38,000 and 62,000 non-smoking Americans die every year from exposure to secondhand smoke; and
WHEREAS, secondhand smoke contains over 4000 chemical compounds, 200 of which are known poisons including carbon monoxide, arsenic, cyanide, benzene and formaldehyde; and
WHEREAS, secondhand smoke is classified as a "Class A Carcinogen" by the US Environmental Protection agency and, by definition, there is no safe level of exposure to a class A carcinogen; and
WHEREAS, secondhand smoke has been shown to substantially...
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