CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY — Since 2009, Campbellsville's comprehensive smoke-free law has successfully protected residents and workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. However, tonight, the city council voted to weaken the smoke-free ordinance by allowing cigar smoking, which will reverse this progress and once again threaten workers’ health.
“All workers—including those who work in bars—deserve the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air,” said Doug Hogan, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) government relations director. “We know that workplace exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of lung cancer and other diseases. No worker in Kentucky should be forced to choose between their health and their paycheck.”
Studies have found that after communities like Campbellsville implement comprehensive, smoke-free laws, workers’ long-term risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease declines, and the risk of hospitalization and death from heart, stroke and lung diseases also drops. Smoke-free laws also help keep young people from starting to smoke and encourage smoking cessation among adults trying to quit.
“ACS CAN is extremely disappointed with the decision to go backward in Campbellsville," said Hogan. “We will monitor the impact of this law and continue to educate and work with the city council to reduce tobacco use and prevent cancer.”
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.