05/31/2007

Forum

Smoking ban saves lives and some big money

BY STATE SEN. RAY BASHAM

Given the state's budget woes and subsequent efforts to now find savings in state health care costs, it would seem appropriate to consider the economic benefits of a statewide smoke-free workplace policy.

Government should play a role in lowering health care costs and can do so by protecting all Michigan residents — including workers in restaurants and bars — from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Last year the U.S. Surgeon General issued a comprehensive report concluding there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke and that even the most sophisticated ventilation systems cannot completely eliminate secondhand smoke exposure. It also stated that only smoke-free indoor environments are proven, simple approaches that afford full protection.

That is why I sponsored comprehensive legislation to make all work sites smoke-free. Senate Bill 109 would amend the public health code to ensure smoke-free environments in all Michigan restaurants, bars and other workplaces.

Secondhand smoke is a major public health problem causing more deaths each year than alcohol, AIDS, car crashes, illegal drugs, murders and suicides combined. In fact, it is the No. 1 cause of preventable deaths.

Smoking is also very costly and is literally sucking the air out of Michigan's economy. Smoking directly results in $2.65 billion in annual health care costs in Michigan, of which $881 million is borne by the state Medicaid program. Each household spends $597 annually in state and federal taxes due to smoking-caused government expenditures. Smoke-free work sites would eliminate these extra health care costs and would do so with virtually no implementation costs.

While some business owners would like to determine for themselves whether they permit smoking in their establishments, this issue is much too important and the consequences much too severe to simply allow businesses to do so.

Studies have already shown that comprehensive smoking bans that include all restaurants and bars do not cause economic harm to the hospitality industry.

By creating a smoke-free work environment, business owners can eliminate a variety of associated costs, including higher health, life, and fire insurance premiums; higher worker absenteeism; lower work productivity; and higher workers' compensation payments.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the cost savings of eliminating secondhand smoke in the workplace to be between $35 billion and $66 billion a year. The business community should welcome these savings.

Michigan residents are ready for smoke-free workplaces, restaurants and bars. In fact, two-thirds of the Michigan registered voters polled are in favor of the legislation and 80 percent said it is important to work in a smoke-free environment. The people of Michigan want to breathe smoke-free air.

Unfortunately, Michigan lags behind much of the country in adopting smoke-free air laws. We can save billions of dollars on a public health policy that costs virtually nothing to implement. Why aren't we? It is important to contact your lawmakers on this important topic. Your voice needs to be heard!

To learn more about these efforts and to become a supporter, please visit www.MakeMIAirSmokefree.org.

About the author
State Sen. Ray Basham, D-Taylor, is sponsor of Senate Bill 109.

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