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Health & Fitness

10th Anniversary Celebration of the Clean Indoor Air Act

News Release

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Makeda James

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF BREATHING CLEAN INDOOR AIR

IN NEW YORK

 

Event Marks 10th Anniversary of Historic Legislation that Protects Workers, Challenges New Yorkers to Protect Kids

 

(White Plains, NY) July 23, 2013 -- POW’R Against Tobacco, POW’R Cessation Center, Westchester County public health advocates, elected officials, and business leaders gathered at Black Bear Saloon last week to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA), and Westchester County’s landmark Smoke-Free Worksite law - enacted by the County Legislature and Board of Health in 2003 prior to the state law. These historic laws protect workers from secondhand smoke and help to reduce smoking rates. Speakers at the event challenged New Yorkers to do even more to protect our kids by tackling the issue of tobacco marketing in stores.

 

On June 4, 2003, the Westchester County Legislature enacted the Westchester Smoke-Free Worksite Law, which not only banned smoking in bars and restaurants, but in all work environments both indoors and outdoors, including but not limited to retail stores, banks, and apartment building hallways. This legislation protects millions of New Yorkers from daily exposure to deadly secondhand smoke and the illnesses it causes.

 

New York is the second state, after Delaware, to pass a comprehensive clean indoor air law.  There are now 35 states with similar legislation.  Westchester County was one of the first five counties in the Hudson Valley to ban smoking in public facilities prior to the CIAA.

 

“As we celebrate 10 years of New York's landmark Clean Indoor Air Act, let's remember the countless lives we have saved, the lung disease we have prevented and the New Yorkers who have enjoyed longer, healthier lives because of it,” said Jeff Seyler, President & CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast. “New York State has a history of leading efforts that promote public health and we look forward to working together to ensure that New York's leaders continue to implement policies and dedicate the resources necessary to reduce the toll that tobacco takes on New Yorkers."

The passage of the CIAA was also a major victory for those working in the hospitality industry who were sometimes faced with deciding between a paycheck and protecting their health.

"Even as a smoker, I enjoy knowing that the overall atmosphere and environment is healthier," said Gabrielle Casarella, an employee at the Black Bear Saloon in White Plains, where community leaders, restaurant and bar owners, health advocates and youth gathered to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Clean Indoor Air Act, presented by POW’R Against Tobacco and POW’R Cessation Center.

There was fierce opposition to the CIAA and its opponents believed it would be the end of the food and beverage industry in New York.  However, the industry has flourished and many bars and restaurants have seen record increases in business and employment.

"The Clean Indoor Air Act has created a cleaner and more enjoyable atmosphere for all customers, smokers and non-smokers alike", said Albert Silverman, Owner, Black Bear Saloon in White Plains.


“The 10th anniversary of the Clean Indoor Air Act is a success story that has saved countless lives and improved the public health of our great nation in ways that are unimaginable and unquantifiable,” said Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman, Ken Jenkins. “Educating the public on the dangers of secondhand smoke and getting this legislation passed were important steps, but too many young people are still getting hooked on cigarettes. We need to work together and continue to protect the health of our residents.”

 "Ten years ago we understood what just about everyone understands today.  You don't have to smoke to die from it.  Secondhand smoke kills.  There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.  An employee should not have to choose between good health and a good job, or risk his or her health to keep a job." said Assemblyman Thomas Abinanti, New York State Assemblyman, 92nd District.
Despite the success of this law and the countless lives that have been saved, smoking remains the leading cause of preventable death and kills more than 25,000 New Yorkers every year.[i]  Smoking related healthcare costs top $8 billion annually in New York State including $5.4 billion in Medicaid costs.[ii]

The U.S. Surgeon General characterizes youth smoking as a pediatric epidemic, and states that the evidence is clear that tobacco marketing causes youth to start smoking. Most youth start smoking before they reach the age of 18.

Smoking is still a problem in New York, particularly among teens, and we still have work to do,” said Makeda James, Westchester County Coalition Coordinator, POW'R Against Tobacco 

“Protecting youth from the excessive tobacco marketing they see in stores should be a top priority.”

 

For more information about ongoing efforts to reduce smoking and protect kids from tobacco marketing in Westchester County, visit www.powragainsttobacco.org  or  www.tobaccofreenys.org.

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About POW’R
POW’R Against Tobacco and POW’R Cessation Center are programs of the American Lung Association of the Northeast. Since 1992, POW’R has promoted tobacco-free policies and educated the public about tobacco-free communities and the harmful effects of tobacco use in Putnam, Orange, Westchester, and Rockland counties.

 

About the American Lung Association of the Northeast

The American Lung Association of the Northeast serves CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI and VT. We are part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis; our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. www.LungNE.org

 

 


[i] American Cancer Society, The Cancer Burden in New York State, July 2012

[ii] The Toll of Tobacco in New York, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, www.tobaccofreekids.org

 Picture listed left to right: Thomas Abinanti-NYS Assemblyman, Dr. Sherlita Amler-Westchester County Commissioner of Health, Steve Otis-NYS Assemblyman, Ellette Hirschorn-Open Door Director of Clinical Support Services,  Sandra Galef-NYS Assemblywoman, Catherine Borgia-Westchester County Legislator

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