Yesterday the California State
Air Resources Board declared secondhand
smoke to be an air pollutant. In a bold step, the state now rates secondhand smoke as toxic as diesel exhaust,
arsenic, and benzene because of its reported link to breast cancer. Not only does the smoke increase a woman's chance
of breast cancer by 68 percent and 120 percent, but it also links drifting smoke to premature births, asthma, and heart
disease, as well as other cancers and a wide variety of childhood illnesses. A study conducted by scientists at
California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment blames the fumes for 4,000 deaths each year in California
from lung cancer or heart disease alone. This is defintely an exciting decision for those of us who appreciate clean
air; I hope other states will soon follow suit.Note: The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or substitute for professional care. For medical emergencies, dial 911!
California rates secondhand smoke as an air pollutant
Yesterday the California State
Air Resources Board declared secondhand
smoke to be an air pollutant. In a bold step, the state now rates secondhand smoke as toxic as diesel exhaust,
arsenic, and benzene because of its reported link to breast cancer. Not only does the smoke increase a woman's chance
of breast cancer by 68 percent and 120 percent, but it also links drifting smoke to premature births, asthma, and heart
disease, as well as other cancers and a wide variety of childhood illnesses. A study conducted by scientists at
California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment blames the fumes for 4,000 deaths each year in California
from lung cancer or heart disease alone. This is defintely an exciting decision for those of us who appreciate clean
air; I hope other states will soon follow suit.
