Daphne Fallis, Park River, N.D., letter -- The evidence is in: Secondhand smoke kills

PARK RIVER, N.D. — I am writing in regards to a Q&A feature in the Herald’s “Health and Wellness” section on Nov. 19 (“Medical therapy for cystic fibrosis is much improved,” Page B6).

Here is a quote from Dr. Joshua Wynne’s answer to a question on the effects of secondhand smoke:

“However, the deleterious effects of passive smoking have been more controversial, and the data indicating harm are not as persuasive as for active smoking — that is, until now.”

Wynne then goes on to cite a study done by the Mayo Clinic, which looks at the risk of heart attacks and sudden death before and after a workplace smoking ban in the county in which the Mayo Clinic is located.

“They found that the risk of heart attacks and sudden deaths fell by about half,” Wynne notes.

“That dramatic a fall in risk is unlikely to be due to anything other than the ban on public smoking, even though prevention and treatment continues to improve for heart-related problems.”

Wynne didn’t speak about the risks of lung cancer that are attributed to secondhand smoke, but a relative of mine who has never been a smoker has recently been diagnosed with lung cancer, likely due in part to smoky environments.

What more evidence does the state of North Dakota need to make it a state law to ban smoking in ALL public places? Let’s get with the times, and wake up and smell the toast … or should I say, the smoke.

Thankfully, I live in a city where there are three bars that have chosen to do the right thing on their own accord and have gone smoke-free.

Now, I can not only enjoy a night out without the ill effects of secondhand smoke, but also I have been able to get a part-time job in one of them — something I wouldn’t have done had they not been smoke free!

Kudos to the American Legion, The Upper Deck and The Club.

Daphne Fallis

Tags: in the mail, secondhand smoke, smoke free laws, opinion, health, smoking, updates