Dear editor,
The proposed smoke-free ordinance has brought with it some tension and concerns, sparking discussion within the community, as it should. Any changes to something involving the public health should be discussed and addressed.
My family moved to Maysville from central Ohio over three years ago and from the moment I arrived, I fell in love with this city. The close-knit community and the friendliness of everyone I met reminded me of the place where I grew up. I participate in numerous local community events and I have a booth at a few of them every year.
Coming from a state that has legislation on smoking in public buildings and locations, and having observed the changes it caused when I lived in Ohio, I can see both sides of the issue. There was concern in Ohio that it would harm businesses, but I found myself at more places than before because I didn’t have to worry about cigarette smoke.
Although smokers and non-smokers can be segregated within restaurants, employees and non-smoking patrons are constantly exposed to second-hand smoke, because partial walls can’t contain smoke. There are health risks associated with being exposed to second- and third-hand smoke, many of which weren’t fully understood until recent years.
I suffer from a form of arthritis, an autoimmune disease. In recent years, researchers have observed that a higher percentage of women develop rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases due to cigarette smoke exposure. This included women who have never smoked but were exposed to second-hand smoke as children. While history can’t be changed, we can move forward based on what we now know. We have seen the data, the statistics, even our own loved ones suffering due to cigarette smoke. We have a chance to make a difference, to give everyone a safer, healthier environment.
We aren’t asking anyone to quit smoking. We simply ask that our local leaders recognize that there are appropriate and inappropriate places to smoke. And although many people can choose not to patronize places where smoking is permitted, there are still workers who may not want to be exposed to smoke but have no choice.
This ordinance will allow people the freedom to patronize and work in more places of business and locations without the threat of exposure to second-hand smoke. Our families, friends, and the employees who serve us deserve the right to enjoy all the wonderful places Maysville has to offer without sacrificing their health.
Sincerely,
Kristin Larger
Maysville
