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Don't weaken smoke-free air law

Printed in Baton Rouge Advocate, February 20, 2007

As we find ourselves more than a full month into the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act, public support for the new law appears to be high.

This is no surprise considering the fact that more than 75 percent of Louisianians dont smoke. Business owners are complying because they understand the intent of the law to protect the majority of workers and the public, especially children, from the real dangers associated with exposure to secondhand smoke.

However, a few business owners have expressed concern that some businesses may not be enforcing the law as strictly as others, and that continued enforcement of the law is needed.

I must say, I agree.

The way the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act is written represents the norm in our country, not the exception. With its enactment, our state joins the ranks of national leaders by becoming the 19th state in the nation to pass similar smoke-free legislation.

Since its passage, three other states have followed suit. Now, roughly half of the nations population is protected from secondhand smoke exposure where they work and dine.

The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act represents a true display of government intervention on the side of health. Our legislators have demonstrated that Louisiana can in fact lead, not lag, when it comes to protecting the health of its citizens.

I am excited and confident that the new law will have a long-term positive impact on the health status of our state.

Studies conducted in Helena, Mont., and Pueblo, Colo., have shown that heart attack rates fell in those cities after smoke-free laws were implemented.

In the coming weeks, Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti is expected to release a final opinion and interpretation of the law to help resolve any gray areas that may remain.

It is important that we continue to take a stand on the side of public health and uphold the intent of the law, not weaken it.

Marilyn Reynaud, M.D., M.P.H.
Regional Medical Director, Office of Public Health,
Capitol Region 2
Baton Rouge