Everyone has the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air, free from the proven dangers of secondhand smoke. No one should have to risk their health to earn a paycheck or enjoy an evening out.
Your Legislators Need to Hear From You!
In June 2006, the U.S. Surgeon General released The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Secondhand Smoke. In it, the Surgeon General asserts that, "Nonsmokers need protection through the restriction of smoking public places and workplaces." The 2006 report confirmed that secondhand smoke is a cause of heart disease and lung cancer, and has immediate adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. Further, the report concludes that "There is NO risk-free level of secondhand smoke."
A January 2008 poll showed that 75% of Virginians support a statewide law that would prohibit smoking in public places, including public buildings, offices, restaurants, and bars. Why continue to debate the issue? The debate is over! E-mail your legislator and tell them you want a smoke-free Virginia now.
Dear Legislator Title Last Name,
I am writing today to ask that you protect your constituents well being and health by supporting a strong smoke-free law for the Commonwealth.
As you know, the Surgeon General has concluded that the evidence is clear: there is NO safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Only completely smoke-free workplaces, free of exemptions and loopholes, provide effective protection from secondhand smoke, a proven cause of heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious illnesses. Smoking rooms, ventilation, age provisions, employee consent, and other similar gimmicks do absolutely nothing to protect the health of workers. In fact, these types of provisions simply give workers a false sene of security - they believe they are being protected when in fact they are not.
It should not matter where you work; all Virginians deserve to work in a smokefree environment. No one should have to choose between their health and earning a paycheck.
Sincerely,
First Name Last Name
Address
City, State Zip
Home Phone
Your communication will be emailed to your selected legislators.