Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020 | 2 a.m.
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I was pleased to walk into Aces & Ales recently and see it has reopened as a smoke-free gaming establishment. Now families like mine can enjoy a meal without worrying about the health effects of secondhand smoke.
Smoke-free environments are popular and good for business, and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network supports business’s decision to protect the health of workers and patrons.
At this critical moment when we all are concerned about coronavirus and are in close quarters with loved ones, we must do everything in our power to keep our community healthy and safe. Smoking may increase risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Casino and gaming workers are more exposed to cancer-causing secondhand smoke while on the job than other U.S. employees. No one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck. Exposure to secondhand smoke puts people at higher risk for developing cancer, heart disease and/or stroke, among other diseases, and secondhand smoke causes approximately 41,000 deaths among nonsmoking adults in the U.S each year.
Many casinos nationwide have reopened as smoke-free gaming establishments. Nevada’s should follow suit. Long after this pandemic is over, people deserve to live full, healthy lives free from harms of tobacco.
