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Tobacco Industry Admits Secondhand Smoke is Deadly and We need to do Better Protecting Pennsylvanians

As a part of the court ordered tobacco corrective statements, this weekend newspaper ads will run across the country stating that secondhand smoke is deadly.

March 1, 2018

Harrisburg, PA - March 1, 2018 – More than 11 years after a federal court ordered them to do so, the major U.S. tobacco companies are now publishing five different corrective statement advertisements telling the American people the truth about their deadly and addictive products. This weekend ads will run stating the health harms of secondhand smoke. These statements are:

  • Secondhand smoke kills over 38,000 Americans each year. 
  • Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and coronary heart disease in adults who do not smoke.
  • Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, severe asthma, and reduced lung function. 
  • There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

Nearly 10 years ago Pennsylvania passed its Clean Indoor Air Act. This law contains many exemptions for businesses that can still permit smoking such as casinos, bars, private clubs, cigar bars and tobacco shops. All Pennsylvania workers have the right to breathe smoke-free air, regardless of where they work. Pennsylvania workers should not have to choose between their health and their paycheck.

Legislation to remove these exemptions is currently being considered by the House Health committee. We urge the committee to pass the as introduced version of this legislation and send it to the full House for consideration. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association in Pennsylvania and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids look forward to seeing the House and Senate pass this legislation and the Governor signing it in to law. 


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Michelle Zimmerman
Senior Specialist, Division Media Advocacy