MINUTES

 

MAYORS TASK FORCE ON SMOKING

JANUARY 2004

 

 

Members present:  Dr. John Hiebert, Dr. Dave Hiebert, Judy Keller, Scott Hazelitt, Chuck Magerl, Peach Madl, Dave Kingsley.

 

Dr. John Hiebert discussed the National Conference on Tobacco or Health, a conference that he attended in Boston.  The conference focused on cessation programs, tobacco control in teenagers, health issues, and governmental issues.  Included in the health issues was a discussion of composition of tobacco smoke in the workplace.

 

Data pertaining to exposure of ordinary citizens has not been collected.  Transient exposure is generally not a problem.  However, certain lung diseases can be exacerbated.  For instance, an asthma attack could be triggered.

 

James Repace, an air quality expert, discussed environmental tobacco smoke in restaurants.  In order for air to be made safe, a tornadic air exchange would be required.  He concluded that ventilation could not eliminate concentration of nicotine or particulate matter.  When we think about solutions, it would appear that ventilation is not the solution. 

 

Scott Hazelitt asked if Repace discussed standards.  Dr. Hiebert said that he did discuss them in detail.

 

Dr. Hiebert said that that safety of workers is his focus.  Exposure for 25 hours per week causes significant ravages.  Blood vessels, when sensitized for as short a period as 30 minutes could result in myocardial infarction.  He also believes that a high incidence of hospitalization due to middle ear infection and bronchiospastic lung disease occurs as the result of prolonged exposure.  Low birth weights and SIDs are also related to exposure.

 

Dr. Hiebert said that “From my own perspective the principle concern is for workers rather than patrons.”

 

Peach Madl said that there was no way to measure the level of ETS in her business.  She said her employees work about 7 times per week.  She asked, “Why are we here?” 

 

Dr. Hiebert said that he interviewed students who were employed in the hospitality industry.  They had developed problems due to ETS.  He had gotten their names from a pulmonary specialist.  Peach Madl asked why they chose to go into that type of work if they had a sensitivity to ETS.

 

Chuck Magerl said that he had not heard about nicotine in the air.  Dr. Hiebert said that Onconodine is easier to measure in the blood.  There is a correlation between particulate levels and nicotine.  There are about 6 or 8 different variables including carbon monoxide.

 

Chuck Magerl said that the Oak Ridge Study included employees outfitted with backpacks with air pumps.  The employee sample of about 173 people employed at restaurants and taverns measured limits below what is considered hazardous to health.  Max RSP ? grams per cubic meter (JAMA, 1993 Article – avg RSP levels 117 for rests).

 

Chuck M. asked why the courts are not in agreement.  Work comp cases have not resulted in judgments.  Dr. Hiebert said he went to a couple of presentations by attorneys.  There are 2000 or so law suits pending – these are, with a couple of exceptions, employee issues.  There has been a significant shift in liability.

 

The dates of the final two meetings were set:  February 12th and March 9th.  Both meetings will be at Lawrence Memorial Hospital from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.