200 Maine, Suite B
Lawrence, Kansas 66044-1357
Office: 785/843-3060 Fax: 785/843-3161
Clinic: 785/843-0721 Fax: 785/843-2930
December 3, 2004
David Schauner, Commissioner
Lawrence City Commission
6th and Massachusetts
Lawrence, Kansas 66044
Dear Commissioner Schauner:
As City Commissioners prepare to hear from opponents of the Lawrence Public and Workplace Smoking Restriction Ordinance, I would like to reaffirm that the public health perspective on this issue has not changed.
Exposure to secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard whether on the job, in public places or at home. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease and stroke among healthy nonsmokers. For the elderly, children and individuals with asthma and other respiratory diseases the effects of secondhand smoke are particularly hazardous.
Since July 1, 2004, Lawrence residents, workers and visitors have benefited from a strong, comprehensive smoking restriction ordinance that protects them from the negative health effects of secondhand smoke in public places and places of employment. I urge you to maintain the ordinance as approved and not weaken its public safety impact by making changes such as those being proposed.
I reviewed the proposed “compromise” ordinance put forth by opponents. This proposal suggests periodic measurement of nicotine levels as an indicator of air quality in enclosed places. While nicotine is the additive in tobacco associated with its addictive properties, nicotine is not the chemical associated with the negative health effects of exposure to secondhand smoke nor are nicotine levels a reliable indicator reflecting the amounts and presence of these other damaging chemicals. There is no scientific merit for using nicotine levels as a measure of air quality.
Exposure to secondhand smoke is a significant public health issue due to the adverse effects on individuals inhaling environmental tobacco smoke in public places. Smoke-free environments remain the most effective method for reducing exposure to secondhand smoke and protecting the health of those in Douglas County and Lawrence. From the public health perspective, a comprehensive smoking ban is good public health policy and I urge you to continue to support the Lawrence Public and Workplace Smoking Restriction Ordinance.
W. Kay Kent, RN, MS
Director
cc: Mike Wildgen, City Manager