Berkeley, CA— In recognition of National Lung Cancer Awareness Month this November, Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, issued the following statement.
“This National Lung Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize the tireless work by so many to research, treat and prevent the leading cause of cancer deaths in our country. Unfortunately, casinos remain one of the last remaining public spaces where indoor smoking is allowed, leaving thousands of casino workers to deal with the harmful chemicals and health problems associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. According to the CDC, casino workers’ risk of developing lung cancer increases by as much as 30% due to the fact that they’re exposed to secondhand smoke at work.
“Despite the lack of smoke-free policies in too many casinos, much progress has been made to bring casinos up to speed and establish healthy work environments that do not leave their workforce at risk of developing cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.
More than 150 Tribal casinos and 21 states have adopted smoke-free policies and we continue to call on legislators in Rhode Island and New Jersey to pass their pending legislation to close the casino smoking loophole. No one should be forced to choose between their health and a paycheck. That is why we’re continuing to fight for these policies and we look forward to the day that casino workers can earn a living without being exposed to secondhand smoke and risking their lives.”
