MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hundreds of attendees of this week's 2007 National Conference on Tobacco or Health -- including teens and adults representing all 50 states -- rallied today outside the Minneapolis Convention Center to raise awareness about the benefits of smoke-free policies and celebrate the progress of smoke-free laws across the nation.
The "Enjoy the Freedom to Breathe!" rally highlighted Minnesota's implementation earlier this month of its comprehensive workplace smoke-free law, the Freedom to Breathe Act. With the positive action in Minnesota, more than half the U.S. population is now protected by smoke-free laws that include restaurants and bars.
At the rally, participants enjoyed music by local performers and a giant cake in the shape of the United States, which mapped out states and communities where residents already enjoy the right to breathe clean air. The rally added to the growing momentum across the country and around the world to protect all workers and the public from the serious health hazards of secondhand smoke. Across America, there is strong agreement that no one should have to put their health at risk in order to earn a paycheck or enjoy a night out.
The rally was sponsored by Minnesota's Catalyst youth activism movement, Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights, the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the American Legacy Foundation, youth advocacy groups from across the country, and other partners. The National Conference on Tobacco or Health began Wednesday and runs through Friday, with an expected attendance of approximately 3,000 public health advocates -- including more than 100 teens from across the country.
"The Freedom to Breath Act is a major step forward for Minnesota and for the country. I'm excited to welcome youth from across America to a smoke-free Minnesota," said Catalyst member Nikki Bunnell.
"I'm happy to be here today to celebrate the progress of smoke-free laws across the country," said Chad Bullock, a youth from North Carolina. "The progress we have made nationwide is inspiring for states that are still working toward that goal. We are working hard back at home to ensure that all North Carolina residents have the right to breathe clean air."
The need for protection from secondhand smoke in all workplaces and public places has never been clearer. In issuing a groundbreaking report on secondhand smoke in June 2006, U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona stated, "The debate is over. The science is clear: Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance, but a serious health hazard that causes premature death and disease in children and nonsmoking adults." Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including at least 69 carcinogens. The Surgeon General found that secondhand smoke is a proven cause of lung cancer, heart disease, serious respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma, low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome. The Surgeon General also found that secondhand smoke is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths in the United States each year, there is no safe level of exposure, and only smoke-free laws provide effective protection from secondhand smoke.
For more information about please contact Nicole Dueffert or visit http://www.bethecatalyst.org/natcon.
Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
