President's Corner

On February 2, 2011, the New York City Council took an important step in protecting the health of the City’s residents and visitors by voting to expand the Smoke Free Air Act to include parks, beaches and other public areas. Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including hundreds that are toxic and at least 69 that cause cancer. It is a proven cause of lung cancer, heart disease, respiratory infections and other serious illnesses. Additionally, many Americans already feel that smoking should be banned in public outdoor spaces.

In December, a Surgeon General’s Report reiterated that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Even low levels of exposure have an immediate effect on the body, leading to permanent health damage. Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said that “every American deserves a healthier environment.” Yesterday's vote gave New Yorkers the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air - even in Central Park. As a New Yorker myself, I couldn’t be happier. Who likes walking or sitting behind someone who is smoking a cigarette or cigar while you’re enjoying a park or beach?

Mayor Bloomberg, Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley and the City Council are to be applauded for championing this effort and safeguarding New Yorkers from toxic secondhand smoke exposure. From leading the charge by requiring tobacco vendors to post graphic warning messages at the point of sale as part of hard-hitting tobacco prevention and cessation campaigns to the passing of a comprehensive smoke-free air law, New York City is a global leader in the fight to reduce tobacco related disease.

In December, a federal judge ruled that New York City health officials violated of federal law by requiring retail outlets that sell cigarettes to post graphic warnings depicting the health consequences of smoking, along with information to help smokers find cessation services. Legacy issued a statement supporting the NYC requirement as a legally permissible and evidence-based intervention that will help reduce tobacco's devastating impact on the public health. Legacy took the lead on the public health amicus brief in the lower court and will do so again in support of New York City's appeal.