KVH Says Statewide Smoke-free Policy Necessary to Improve Health of All Kentuckians

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Jan 19th, 2012

KVH Says Statewide Smoke-free Policy is Necessary to Improve Health of All Kentuckians 

It is no secret that secondhand smoke is detrimental to human health, yet even today many Kentuckians are still regularly exposed to secondhand smoke in their workplaces, in restaurants and other public places throughout the Commonwealth.

Among the priorities designated by Kentucky Voices for Health (KVH) are tobacco prevention and the promotion of smoke-free communities. Kentucky Voices for Health (KVH) believes statewide smoke-free policy aimed at making indoor work places smoke-free Is necessary to improve the health of all Kentuckians.

Studies have proven that nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke at work or in other public places significantly increase their risk of developing heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory illnesses and even premature death. In fact, according to the American Lung Association, secondhand smoke, which contains over 7,000 deadly chemicals, causes 38,000 deaths per year.

The American Lung Association recently released their State of Tobacco Control 2012 Report giving Kentucky an “F” for failing to have satisfactory tobacco control regulations. In order to improve this ranking, and the many tobacco related health statistics that are continually lower than the national average, Kentucky must implement tobacco policy that protects nonsmokers and incentivize smokers to quit.

Every Kentuckian has the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air. Only when all of Kentucky goes smoke-free can all workers and patrons be properly protected against exposure to secondhand smoke.

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