05-25 - 03-15 - Support Freedom to Breathe Act Resolution 05-25 March 15, 2005
Member Freiberg introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR A FREEDOM TO BREATHE ACT
WHEREAS, tobacco-related disease is the number one cause of preventable death
and disease to Minnesota residents; and
WHEREAS, worksites and public places are locations where both members of the
community and employees of those establishments are exposed to secondhand smoke;
and
WHEREAS, secondhand smoke kills at least 38,000 non-smoking Americans every
year from coronary artery disease and lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, only thirty minutes of secondhand smoke compromises a non-smoker's
coronary arteries to the same extent as in smokers; and
WHEREAS, secondhand smoke can cause asthma attacks in those who suffer from
asthma; and
WHEREAS, employees should not be forced to risk their health through exposure to
dangerous and deadly toxins in their workplace; and
WHEREAS, much of this important health risk is preventable by the implementation
of comprehensive smoke-free policies.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the undersigned individual supports:
• A state Freedom to Breathe Act, which provides further protections for Minnesota
workers, including bar and restaurant workers.
• The continued right of local governments to further strengthen local laws to
protect workers from secondhand smoke exposure.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the undersigned individual will consent to the
public use of this endorsement by the Minnesota Smoke-Free Coalition.
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Linda R. Loomis, May r
ATTEST:
Donald G. Taylor ' Clerk