Dear Editor, 

The health of our Kosciusko County residents and our communities is more important than ever before.

Tobacco kills more than 8 million people globally every year. More than 7 million of these deaths are from direct tobacco use and approximately 1.2 million are due to non-smokers being exposed to secondhand smoke Early findings from both Italy and China demonstrate that individuals who have contracted  COVID-19 and have recovered still show signs of diminished lung function.

Therefore, exposure to ongoing risk factors including secondhand smoke exposure could potentially result in relapse or other lung-related illnesses. Research consistently shows that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure. Secondhand smoke contains more than 70 carcinogens (cancer-causing agents) as well as thousands of chemicals and toxins.

Indiana passed the State’s first smoke-free air law in 2012. The law restricts smoking in most public places. However, the law still leaves many workers unprotected from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Research consistently shows that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure.

A comprehensive smoke-free air policy would include workplaces and sites including bars, fraternal clubs, private clubs, tobacco retailers, and tobacco specialty shops. State and local governments have a responsibility to protect the health of their citizens.

Focusing on the health of the citizens that elected officials represent is more important than ever before in our communities. Every citizen and every employee has the right to work and visit in a safe, smoke-free environment. A comprehensive smoke-free air policy protects citizens and employees. You can help to move Kosciusko County and our cities and towns towards healthier and safer communities by support healthy, smoke-free communities.

Heidi Blake
Warsaw