Statement by Peter E. Eupierre, M.D., President, Illinois State Medical Society
Senate Executive Committee Hearing on State Regulation of Indoor Smoking
James R. Thompson Center, Room 16-503, Chicago, Illinois
October 19, 2006, 10:00 a.m.
Re: Opposition to SB 2688
The Illinois State Medical Society opposes SB 2688 as currently written due to its temporary two-year exemption of bars and similar establishments like taverns and restaurants.
The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2006 report has determined that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Additionally, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) acknowledges that no ventilation technology exists that can remove the cancer-causing chemicals from the air.
Employees in smoke-filled workplaces are at increased risk. One study has estimated that working in a smoke-filled bar for eight hours is equivalent to smoking sixteen cigarettes.
Despite what exemption proponents have claimed, several credible independent economic studies drawn from communities, which already have smoking bans, have shown that the elimination of smoking in workplaces and public places, including restaurants and bars, does not harm a community’s economy or result in the net loss of jobs in these businesses.
Fifty-five percent of Illinois residents remain completely unprotected from the health risks associated with secondhand smoke. Millions of our health care dollars are being used to treat diseases directly attributable to tobacco products. Eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke is good for our wellbeing and sound economic policy. Wouldn’t Illinois’ limited financial resources be better used elsewhere?
Let’s heed the warning signs and the science of tobacco-induced disease. It’s time that Illinois legislators pass a statewide clean indoor air law that eliminates secondhand smoke in all public places and workplaces, especially restaurants and bars. Anything less is unconscionable.
ISMS is a professional membership association representing over 14,000 physicians practicing in all specialties statewide. Dr. Eupierre is an internal medicine specialist practicing in Melrose Park, Illinois.
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