AMA: Surgeon General's secondhand smoke report a wake-up call to lawmakers

Statement attributable to:
Ron Davis, MD
AMA President-elect

"The findings released by the U.S. Surgeon General's Report: "The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke" clearly define the known health risks of secondhand smoke: that any exposure is unhealthy and dangerous. This report should be a wake-up call for lawmakers to enact comprehensive clean indoor air laws that prohibit smoking in all indoor public places and workplaces.

"Secondhand smoke is a leading cause of preventable death among adults in the U.S., and kills at least 53,000 people each year. The disease and death caused by secondhand smoke is not only alarming-it is completely preventable.

"Containing more than 50 chemicals that cause cancer, the dangers of secondhand smoke are evident. No one should be exposed to secondhand smoke's harmful effects.

"Earlier this month, the AMA adopted new policy supporting smoking cessation programs and the elimination of smoking in all public places and workplaces at the national, state and local levels.

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For more information, please contact:

Erin Woods
AMA Media Relations
(312) 464-5926