Contact: Andrew Weisser
(818) 703-6444 aweisser@earthlink.net
or your local American Lung Association
at (800) LUNG-USA

SMOKE-FREE WORKPLACE LAW MEANS CALIFORNIANS CONTINUE TO BREATHE EASIER
Bars are Healthier and Safer Work Environments

(December 29, 1998 -- California) January 1, 1999 marks the four-year anniversary of California's Law for a Smoke-free Workplace, Assembly Bill 13, the public health measure designed to protect all employees from exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor workplaces. It is also the one-year anniversary of this law's requirement that bars must be smoke-free.

Since this landmark public health measure was passed by the legislature and signed into law, the number of Californians protected from secondhand smoke in the workplace has grown tremendously and the scientific evidence on the health risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure continues to mount.

According to the California Department of Health Services, only 35 percent of California workers were protected from secondhand smoke in 1990. In 1996, 90 percent of California adults employed indoors were protected from having to breathe someone else's smoke. With the implementation of the smoke-free bar provision in 1998, nearly all workers are now protected. An additional 800,000 employees became protected through the smoke-free bar component of the law.

"Thanks to California's law requiring smoke-free workplaces, workers do not have to choose between their jobs and their health," said David Burns, M.D., a volunteer with the American Lung Association of California. "There is overwhelming scientific evidence that exposure to secondhand smoke poses a serious health risk, and experts have concluded that there is no safe level of exposure. It is a known human cancer-causing agent and causes an estimated 35,000 to 62,000 deaths annual from cardiovascular disease."

"Despite what the tobacco industry would have you believe, secondhand smoke is not a minor inconvenience that should be tolerated. It is a serious public health concern," added Dr. Burns. "Public health policy must be based on unbiased scientific evidence, not dictated by well-funded tobacco industry front groups," he said. "It is unfortunate that the tobacco industry is trying to protect its bottom line at the expense of public health."

A study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that bartenders who worked in smoke-free conditions for as little as one month had a significant drop in respiratory problems and improved lung function. According to the study, in the month before the smoke-free bars provision went into effect, about three-fourths of surveyed bartenders reported respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and phlegm production. One to two months after the law, nearly 60 percent of those who had indicated respiratory symptoms were now symptom-free. Even bartenders who are smokers showed improved respiratory symptoms and function.

"The last four years have proven California's Law for a Smoke-free Workplace to be a winner for employees and customers because they do not have to involuntarily breathe someone else's toxic smoke and for California's economy, especially the tourism and hospitality industries," Dr. Burns said. "Contrary to predictions of the National Smokers' Alliance, a tobacco industry front group, American Lung Association surveys show that the smoke-free bar law is supported and compliance is widespread."

Opponents to AB 13 argued that its passage would result in fewer tourists and reduced tourism revenue in California. Since 1995, the year AB 13 went into effect, tourism expenditures in California have grown from $53.8 billion in 1995 to $61.2 billion in 1997 and California continues to be a prime location for visitors.

Opponents also argued that restaurants and bars would see massive reduction in their revenue due to the smoke-free requirement. However, according to the State Board of Equalization, sales tax figures show that restaurant and bar revenues in the first quarter of 1998 exceeded the first quarter of 1997 by six percent. This growth added an additional $370 million to California's economy.

Public opinion polls show that the overwhelming majority of Californians support the smoke-free workplace law, including the smoke-free bar provision. An August 1998 poll conducted by Field Research Corporation found that of bar patrons surveyed, two-thirds said that it is important to have smoke-free bars. The poll also showed that public support for smoke-free bars has continued to increase, even among smokers.

The Field poll also found that 85 percent of bar patrons reported that they would visit bars more often or not change their bar-going behavior as a result of the law prohibiting smoking in bars. This finding is reflected in recent Board of Equalization sales tax figures showing that restaurant and bar revenues have increased since the smoke-free law went into effect.

In San Francisco, a random survey of 217 bars indicated that 78.3 percent were in compliance. Other compliance checks with the smoke-free bar law produced these American Lung Association survey results: Earlier this year in Sacramento, approximately 70 percent of the 60 local bars surveyed, including many sports bars, indicated that implementation of the smoke-free bar law is going smoothly with no problems. In addition, 100 percent of 35 downtown bars in San Diego were in compliance, according to a report released by the San Diego office around the time of the Super Bowl, plus another 87 percent in the City of Coronado (in San Diego County).

In addition, a February 10 American Lung Association report documents that of 42 bars in three San Mateo County cities, 86 percent were in compliance. The Contra Costa/Solano's BREATH Project survey shows 94 percent compliance among bars and restaurants in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf tourist area and 100 percent compliance among the 11 bars and restaurants visited at Jack London Square, an Oakland tourist area. And, total sales tax receipts for all 118 Chico establishments holding licenses to serve alcohol increased by 10.3 percent in 1997 compared to 1996.

"The tobacco industry would have the public believe that a ventilation standard is possible for safe exposure to carcinogenic secondhand smoke," said Dr. Burns. "There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke and tobacco companies cannot be entrusted to write California's health laws." Secondhand smoke is classified as a Group A Carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The American Lung Association has been fighting lung disease for more than 90 years. With generous support of the public and the help of volunteers, we have seen many advances against lung disease. However, the work is not finished. As we look forward to our second century, we will continue to strive to make breathing easier for everyone. Along with our medical section, the California Thoracic Society, we provide programs of education, community service, advocacy and research. The American Lung Association's activities are supported by donations to Christmas Sealsñ and other voluntary contributions because, When You Can't Breathe, Nothing Else Mattersñ. You can contact the American Lung Association by calling (800) LUNG-USA, which will automatically connect you to your nearest lung association office.

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