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There have been major gains in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke in the general population, however, those in blue-collar and service jobs - such as craft workers, laborers, and hospitality workers - are still disproportionately exposed at the workplace. The toxins in secondhand smoke cause cancer, heart disease, and respiratory problems, such as wheezing, asthma attacks, shortness of breath, and excessive coughing - long after exposure. In addition, even 30 minutes of exposure to secondhand smoke puts individuals at greater risk of acute and coronary heart disease, which frequently results in heart attacks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that all people at increased risk of coronary heart disease or with known coronary artery disease should avoid all indoor environments that permit smoking. Secondhand smoke levels in bars and casinos are 300-600% higher than in other smoke-filled workplaces. Secondhand smoke levels in restaurants are roughly 160-200% higher than in smoke-filled offices. Cadmium, benzene, lead, and arsenic are just a few of the over 4,000 hazardous chemical components of secondhand smoke that are also toxins common to blue-collar workplaces. Synergistically, cigarette smoke and workplace toxins can multiply the risk of getting lung cancer by as much as 53 times in blue-collar workers. Bar workers' health improved even 6 months after the California Smokefree bar provisions took effect. "I want to be the last worker to die from secondhand smoke."-- Health Crowe Parts excerpted from the Ottawa Citizen, 2/23/06 In 1972, Heather Crowe came to Ottawa as a single mother with little money. Over the years, she worked in half a dozen restaurants, sometimes pulling three shifts a day to support herself and her daughter. She has never smoked a cigarette, but after 40 years of serving up eggs and coffee in the blue air of pre-smokefree restaurants, she was diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer in 2002. Looking pale, but relieved to have her speech and short-term memory back, Ms. Crowe, 60, said yesterday that she is "struggling" to keep her pain under control. "It's just amazing how hard it is to pull through each day," she said. Despite the pain, Ms. Crowe made time yesterday to watch the Olympics on TV and welcome visitors. "At least I'm able to think today." Ms. Crowe fought successfully for full worker's compensation benefits, and then became the public face of secondhand smoke risks when she appeared in Health Canada posters and television campaigns. Over the last few years, Ms. Crowe has taken her crusade across the country, telling community groups, politicians and bar and restaurant owners that she wanted to be the last person to die of secondhand smoke in the workplace. Yesterday, she didn't falter in her message. "I just want legislation to protect all workers (from secondhand smoke)," she said, struggling to find words at times. "I wish this on nobody -- smokers or non-smokers." Doctors gave Ms. Crowe just 10 months to live after her initial diagnosis, but after undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and radiation, she rallied in 2004 and found herself living -- and crusading -- on borrowed time. Last month, her health began to falter again and she began having difficulty speaking and concentrating, so she checked herself in to hospital. "I waited too long to see a doctor," she said. Doctors found that the cancer had spread to her brain and right arm. Along with pain medication, Ms. Crowe is receiving acupuncture to soothe painful tumors throughout her body. She said doctors have given her no firm prognosis, but she hopes to "recover somewhat." She is expected to speak more about her condition to the news media tomorrow. Ms. Crowe has received many accolades for her health campaign, including a Meritorious Service Award from then-governor general Adrienne Clarkson in 2004. In December, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty introduced an award in Ms. Crowe's name, which will recognize individuals and organizations working toward a smoke-free province. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, which takes effect on May 31, will make all workplaces and places open to the public in the province -- including bars, restaurants and casinos -- smoke-free.
SMOKING BAN AMENDED
WORK SHIFTS; A Union Guide to Tobacco: SMOKING & HEALTHCARE COSTS In this issue, we address the economic costs associated with tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke in the workplace. You will find pertinent information within these pages about how smoking affects employers' costs of doing business and how employer-provided cessation coverage and smoke-free workplace policies can provide economic benefits. Perhaps most importantly, this issue identifies possible steps unions can take to lessen the burden of tobacco-related costs on union members. To read the rest of the article click here WORK SHIFTS
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