December 7, 2005 -- AMA Trustee Ronald M. Davis, MD supports Chicago lawmakers' efforts to curb smoking but says it doesn't go far enough.

"Today's vote by Chicago lawmakers to prohibit smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces is an overall step in the right direction to eliminate the health risks associated with secondhand smoke," Davis said. "However, the American Medical Association (AMA) is concerned with aspects of the new law that may do little in the short run to protect the health of many restaurant and bar workers and Chicago citizens."

"The new ordinance contains an exemption for all public places and worksites that install air ventilation systems that meet a yet-to-be-defined city clean indoor air standard. Studies show that ventilation systems are ineffective in protecting workers and patrons from the toxins and cancer-causing chemicals in secondhand smoke.
"While other workplaces must go smokefree by mid-January, the ordinance includes a two and a half year phase-in period for restaurants and bars to comply with the new city measure. Restaurant and bar staff are already at greater health risk from exposure to secondhand smoke, and these workers deserve the same clean and healthy indoor air as the rest of the Chicago workforce.

"The AMA, the largest physicians' group in the country and an employer of nearly 1,000 Chicago-area residents, strongly urges all Chicago businesses, including restaurants and bars, to go smokefree immediately to protect the public health. Clean indoor air will reduce asthma episodes, heart attacks, respiratory diseases and certain cancers among individuals. Smokefree laws are a powerful tool to help motivate current smokers to quit.

"The bottom line is that the diseases and deaths caused by exposure to secondhand smoke are preventable, and the only proven method to protect people from the hazards of secondhand smoke is to ban smoking indoors in all workplaces. We hope that all business owners, including restaurant and bar owners, move above and beyond the city requirements and completely prohibit smoking in their establishments today."

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For more information, please contact:

Toni Xenos
Public Information Officer
AMA Media Relations
(312) 464-5557
Last updated: Dec 07, 2005
Content provided by: Media Relations

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