HomeMy WebLinkAboutRes2013-103 Sponsored by: Clerk
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2013-103
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD,
ALASKA, SUPPORTING THE ALASKA TOBACCO CONTROL
ALLIANCE'S INITIATIVE TO ENCOURAGE ALL ALASKA
WORKPLACES 100% SMOKEFREE
WHEREAS, secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least
69 of which are known to cause cancer, including formaldehyde, benzene, vinyl chloride, arsenic,
ammonia and hydrogen cyanide; and
WHEREAS, people who are exposed to secondhand smoke are inhaling many of the
same cancer-causing substances and poisons as smokers; and
WHEREAS, numerous studies have found that tobacco smoke is a major contributor to
indoor air pollution and that breathing secondhand smoke is a cause of disease in healthy
nonsmokers, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and lung cancer; and
WHEREAS, the 2006 U.S. Surgeon General's Report, "The Health of Involuntary
ir.• Exposure to Tobacco Smoke," concluded that there is no risk-free level of exposure to
secondhand smoke; ventilation and other air cleaning technologies cannot eliminate exposure of
nonsmokers to secondhand smoke, and smokefree workplace policies are the only effective way
to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure in the workplace; and
WHEREAS, the 2010 U.S. Surgeon general's Report, "Hong Tobacco Smoke Causes
Disease," determined that even occasional exposure to secondhand smoke is harmful; and
WHEREAS, for every nine smokers who die, one nonsmoker dies from exposure to
secondhand smoke; and
WHEREAS, approximately half of Alaska's population is not protected by a smokefree
workplace law; and
WHEREAS, among those who work primarily indoors, young adults aged 18 to 29 are
significantly less likely to be protected by a smokefree indoor workplace policy than other
Alaskan adults; and
WHEREAS, research in communities where smokefree laws have been adopted has
consistently shown neutral or positive economic effects to the hospitality industry following a
smokefree workplace requirement; and
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
RESOLUTION 2013-103
WHEREAS, smokefree workplace laws protect people from secondhand smoke, reduce
tobacco use overall and reduce healthcare costs; and
WHEREAS, all Alaskans have the right to breathe smokefree air; and
WHEREAS, during the October 28, 2013 meeting, the City Council directed staff to
bring forward a support resolution for consideration.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that:
Section 1. The City Council of the City of Seward supports the Alaska Tobacco Control
Alliance's Initiative to encourage all Alaska Workplaces 100% smokefree.
Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska, this 12th
day of November, 2013.
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THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA
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can Bardarson, Mayor
AYES: Keil, Shafer, Casagranda, Terry, Squires, Bardarson
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
VACANT: One
ATTEST:
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Jo canna Kinn J 1 o"1
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