As each year passes, Mississippians continue to see the benefits of a smoke-free environment. Leading the way in September 2002 was the town of Metcalfe. Following suit were Myersville and Starkville.
In June 2006 the U.S. Sugeon General released a report on secondhand smoke that provided scientific evidence that secondhand smoke causes serious diseases, including lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis and asthma, is massive and conclusive. There is no longer a scientific controversy or any scientific debate. The report cites:
· There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
· Exposure to secondhand smoke has substantial and immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
· Establishing smoke-free workplaces is the only effective way to ensure that secondhand smoke exposure does not occur in the workplace.
· Smoke-free workplace policies are effective in reducing secondhand smoke exposure. Separating smokers from nonsmokers in the same air space, cleaning the air and ventilating buildings are not effective at eliminating exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke.
· Smoke-free policies and regulations do not have an adverse economic impact on the hospitality industry.
Since the release of the Surgeon General's report Tupelo, Mantachie, Oxford, Hernando and Hattiesburg have become smoke-free towns.
