Anchorage, ALASKA – Anchorage voters defeated Proposition 11, which would have weakened the city smoke-free law and allowed onsite marijuana consumption. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) opposed Proposition 11.
Following is a statement from Emily Nenon, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Alaska government relations director:
"Everyone has the right to breathe smoke-free air. We are pleased that even in these uncertain times, Anchorage voters remained committed to protecting people from the dangers of secondhand smoke. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, there is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure and the use of ventilation systems do not eliminate the health risks from secondhand smoke. Fortunately, Anchorage voters did not rollback their smoke-free protections and allow smoking to return to the workplace.
"With this vote, Anchorage residents recognized that smoke is smoke. Secondhand smoke is a serious health hazard. Marijuana smoke contains many of the same cancer-causing substances found in tobacco smoke and marijuana smoking affects lung function including inflammation of the large airways, increased airway resistance, and lung hyperinflation."
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.