Carroll Hospital Center has asked its state legislators to approve a statewide smoking ban lawmakers expect to revive this year.
“Independent science has shown that health risks go up for nonsmokers who are exposed to secondhand smoke, especially if they have heart or respiratory problems,” said Tricia Supik, the Westminster hospital?s legislative officer.
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The Maryland Clean Indoor Act, which would prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants statewide, was killed in committee in February, the fourth time a smoking ban failed in as many years.
Lawmakers expect to introduce it again in 2007 ? a measure Del. Susan Krebs, R-District 9B, supports. Along with Carroll?s other state lawmakers, she recently attended the hospital?s legislative breakfast.
“Workers in restaurants deserve the same protection as any other worker,” she said in an interview after the breakfast. “Science has finally proven to naysayers that secondhand smoke is harmful.”
Krebs was referring to a scientific report U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona released in June, concluding no risk-free level exists for secondhand smoke.
Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work increase their risk of developing heart disease by 25 to 30 percent and lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent, according to the report.
But other Carroll leaders contend that the ban smacks of nanny government.
Del. Donald Elliott, R-District 4B, serves on the Health and Government Operations Committee that killed the ban, and he voted against it.
Carroll commissioner Dean Minnich blasted the idea of a ban this summer after Howard County approved one. “The greatest threat is not secondhand smoke, but the continuing incursion on personal freedoms.”
By the numbers
Adults smoking in Carroll
12 percent smoke.
52 percent never smoked.
36 percent quit smoking.
44 percent of smokers are male and 56 percent are female.
57 percent of smokers are between 36 and 55.
Source: Partnership for a Healthier Carroll County
