1. There are 4,700 chemicals in cigarette smoke, and at least 43 are known to cause cancer in humans.
2. Nonsmokers have rights too. Three out of every four people in Southeastern PA do not smoke. Nonsmokers, especially those with asthma and other respiratory problems, cannot go into a smoke filled location. On the other hand, smokers are not prevented from visiting smoke free environments.
3. For people who work in hotels and restaurants, our public places are their workplaces. They deserve to breathe the same clean air as other employees. Many of these workers are poorly paid and have no health insurance.
4. Many Philadelphia residents and visitors to the city suffer from respiratory illnesses and are unable to enjoy the fine restaurants due to secondhand smoke.
5. Restaurants and hotels will not lose business. Economic and public health studies from other cities show positive economic and health effects.
6. Many restaurant owners have confided that they want Philadelphia City Council to pass a law that protects their health and safety.
7. The most prominent restaurant cities in the country have benefited from legislation that keeps the air clean for workers and the general public. These include New York City, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Maine, San Diego and Austin, Texas. Smoke-free states include California, Delaware, Connecticut and New York.
8. Don't believe the doomsayers who think the entire economic base of the city/region will collapse if we enact smoke-free public places and worksite legislation. After all, we didn’t see a business decrease when movie theaters and airplanes went smoke free.
9. As an elected official, one of your responsibilities is to promote and protect the public health. Your courage in supporting this legislation clearly shows you take this job seriously.
10. Philadelphia has the opportunity to take the lead in Pennsylvania in promoting Smoke-free Public Places

Sincerely,

Your Name

Take Action/More Information

• Yes, I will take five minutes to write my elected officials about Smokefree Philadelphia!
• Read letters others have written.
• Why Philadelphia Should Go Smoke Free
• Read the full text of Bill No. 00314
• Bill 314 fact sheet
• Join the Alliance for Smoke-Free Workplaces

Thank you!

Mary Tracy, Faxbank Manager
scruborg@rcn.com