Resolution
Whereas, Secondhand smoke is the combination of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette and the smoke breathed out by smokers; and
Whereas, In 2014 the U.S. Surgeon General again confirmed that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke; and
Whereas, Secondhand smoke causes numerous health problems in infants and children, including more frequent and severe asthma attacks, respiratory infections, ear infections, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS); and
Whereas, Secondhand smoke can contain as many as 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and 70 of which are linked to cancer; and
Whereas, Health conditions caused by secondhand smoke in adults include coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer; and
Whereas, In 1988 the City Council passed the Clean Indoor Air Ordinance establishing no smoking sections in restaurants; and
Whereas, Public health groups recruited hundreds of organizations and thousands of volunteers to push for a comprehensive smoke-free law; and
Whereas, On January 16, 2006 Chicago proudly amended its clean indoor air ordinance to protect all workers, residents and visitors from the dangers of secondhand smoke; and
Whereas, Chicago has since reduced smoking prevalence in adults and youth to historic lows; and
Whereas, The rate of hospitalizations for heart attacks in Chicago decreased 21% in the first five years after passage of the 2006 amendment; and
Whereas, Chicago's passage of its comprehensive smoke-free ordinance led to the passage of Smoke-Free Illinois, the strongest statewide smoke-free law in the country; and
Whereas, The smoke-free policy paved the way for future action under the leadership of Mayor Rahm Emanuel; and
Whereas, Public health partners have continued to pursue bold tobacco control strategies that will save lives and lower the burden of tobacco upon our communities; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor, and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirteenth day of January, 2016, do hereby recognize the ten-year anniversary of Smoke-Free Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy/of this resolution be presented to Joel Africk, President and Chie^Executive Officer of the Respiratory Health Association of Greater Chicago.
Alderman - 14th Ward