Celebrating 10 years of breathing clean indoor air in NY

Publication Date: 2013-07-23

• Author:Susan E. Lennon
• Publication:Times Herald-Record

When was the last time you walked into a restaurant in New York and were asked, "smoking or nonsmoking section?" Some young people today have never heard this question asked in their lifetime. We've come a long way, baby!

This Wednesday, thousands of New Yorkers will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act, the historic law that eliminated smoking in most workplaces including bars, restaurants, bowling facilities and bingo halls, protecting millions of New Yorkers from daily exposure to deadly secondhand smoke...

"The Clean Indoor Air Act was a major achievement in public health that has helped many people," said Dr. Eli Avila, Orange County health commissioner. "It has provided all New Yorkers with healthier, safer, smoke-free environments in the workplace and in the community. Orange County continually supports the CIAA and mirrors many of the goals of the NYS Tobacco Control Program."

This law was a major victory for workers in the hospitality industry, many of whom were faced with choosing between a paycheck and their health. There was fierce opposition to this law. Some thought it would damage New York's bar and restaurant industry. In fact, the industry has since flourished...

"As we celebrate 10 years of New York's Clean Indoor Air Act, let's remember the countless lives saved, the lung disease prevented and the New Yorkers who have enjoyed longer, healthier lives because of it," said Jeff Seyler, president/CEO of the American Lung Association of the Northeast...