Elected officials in Minneapolis and St. Paul have a historic opportunity to favorably impact the health of their constituents and the millions of people who annually visit the Twin Cities. Members of both city councils have proposed smoking bans in the cities’ bars and restaurants. The public health implications of implementing a ban couldn’t be more clear and compelling. Secondhand smoke is a health hazard. I co-authored a study with colleagues from the University of Minnesota (U of M) Cancer Center on the effects of secondhand smoke. It was published in December by the American Association for Cancer Research. In this first-ever study, the effects of secondhand smoke on non-smokers visiting a commercial establishment where smoking is allowed were examined. A two-fold average increase in the levels of a tobacco-specific cancer-causing agent was found in the urine of those non-smokers after the visit. It is not surprising, given the results of an earlier study that was conducted which looked at the effects of secondhand smoke on non-smokers in their homes. In that study, it was found that women living with a partner or spouse who smoked had five to six times higher levels of tobacco-specific cancer-causing compounds in their urine compared with women who lived with non-smokers. We also know from extensive previous research that the risk of lung cancer is increased in non-smokers if they live with a smoker. Therefore, the potential impact of secondhand smoke on the health of non-smoking patrons, not to mention the health of employees, at establishments where smoking is allowed is severe and potentially life threatening. Numerous studies have examined the economic impact of smoking bans at bars and restaurants and have found that such legislation does not hurt business. In fact, according to one study, sales in California bars and restaurants increased after a statewide smoking ban was enacted. The same is true among many businesses here in Minnesota that have gone smoke free. A study of Minnesota residents conducted recently by the U of M found that 80 percent of those who dine out prefer smoke-free restaurants and 98 percent feel that smoking in restaurants should be restricted. Employers cannot continue to complain about the rising cost of health care without addressing one of the largest cost factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, tobacco is the leading actual cause of death in the United States. Actual causes of death, according to the CDC, are defined as lifestyle and behavioral factors, such as smoking and physical inactivity, that contribute to this nation’s leading killers – heart disease, cancer, and stroke. One by one, Minnesota communities are taking on this public health threat. I would urge all elected representatives to look at the indisputable scientific data and do the right thing for the health and well being of them and their constituents: Ban smoking in all commercial venues. Kristin Anderson is an associate professor at the U of M School of Public Health and member of the Cancer Center. This column is an educational service and advice presented should not take the place of an examination by a health-care professional. To ask a U of M health-care expert a question, or for other health-related information, visit the Web site at www.healthtalkandyou.com.
