Michigan Legislature passes new legislation for smoke-free workplaces

The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) today applauded the wisdom of the Michigan legislature to enact legislation to make workplaces in our state smoke-free.

"This is one of the most important and significant public health bills that the Michigan Legislature has ever passed," said MSMS president Richard E. Smith, MD, a Detroit obstetrician/gynecologist. "This legislation provides immediate protection to everyday citizens who otherwise would be vulnerable to the more than 4,000 toxins and 50 known carcinogens that are found in secondhand smoke.

"This simply makes Michigan a healthier place to live, work and raise a family," Doctor Smith said. "It will help reduce the cost of health care and improve the health of employees.

"Public health initiatives have been the cornerstone of MSMS since its creation in 1866," Doctor Smith said. "It is fitting that this bill is named for the late Ronald M. Davis, MD, a Michigan public health physician and past president of the American Medical Association who fought his entire career to educate the public about the health consequences of tobacco use.

"Unfortunately, Michigan funding for tobacco education remains near the bottom among all states," Doctor Smith said. "Now it's time for Michigan to re-engage in the overall battle against tobacco use."

SOURCE Michigan State Medical Society