Make Your Business Smoke Free!

Secondhand smoke kills. Secondhand smoke is a complex mixture of chemicals generated during the smoking and burning of tobacco products, including more than 69 cancer causing agents. There are approximately 5,900 deaths annually in SC from tobacco use.

• During a shift in a smoke filled restaurant or bar, workers can breathe up to 1 ½ packs of cigarettes a day
• Just 30 seconds of secondhand smoke exposure causes heart damage similar to that of a habitual smoker
• Smoke is number trigger of asthma
• Tobacco use is major link to many cancers
• Patrons of business have a choice of being in a smoke filled environment, workers do not
• These workers are usually African American, young adults, Latinos
• Oftentimes they are our mothers, fathers, daughters sons or other family members

Business levels have increased or remained the same. Surveys have found that support for smoke free work environments is high especially within communities most impacted.

Local smoke-free policies remain the only measure to truly ensure that employees, patrons and children are protected from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Sample of smoke free policy for workplace

Model Tobacco-Free Policy for Worksites

Procedures

• Prohibit the use of all tobacco products on the premises. This includes all indoor areas no less than 50 feet from all entrances and exits
• Provide assistance for stop smoking services/referrals as deemed appropriate on an individual basis
• Display appropriate signs indicating smoke free worksite
• Management will include policy in employee manual for all existing and new employees

Enforcement

Education and Assistance

• Cessation Quit Line:
  1-800-QUIT NOW
• Tobacco News