On January 11, 2007 Illinois State Senator John J. Cullerton introduced comprehensive legislation that would make Illinois workplaces and indoor public places smoke-free. Similar legislation was also introduced in the Illinois House of Representatives as House Bill 246 by Representative Karen Yarbrough. The American Lung Association of Illinois joins more than 450 other organizations in applauding State Senator Cullerton and State Representative Karen Yarbrough for this important step toward making Illinois the next smoke-free state.

Restaurant, bar, and hospitality workers are exposed to the highest levels of secondhand smoke of any occupation or demographic group. Research shows that workers exposed to secondhand smoke on a daily basis are 20-30 percent more likely to develop cancer. In fact, working one eight-hour shift in a smoky workplace is equivalent to smoking 16 cigarettes. According to the Surgeon General's report establishing smoke-free workplaces is the only effective way to eliminate secondhand smoke in the workplace.

Since the Illinois General Assembly allowed local municipalities to adopt clean indoor air laws effective January 1, 2006, communities throughout Illinois have moved quickly to protect public health and eliminate secondhand smoke from all indoor public places and workplaces. During 2006, Illinois passed more smoke free laws, 36, than any other state has ever passed in one year.

"In response to the national trend to enact statewide, comprehensive clean indoor air laws, the Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco formed it Smoke-free Illinois Campaign," said Harold P. Wimmer, President & Chief Executive Officer of the American Lung Association of Illinois. "With more than 450 organizations signed on, we represent state and local social service agencies, medical associations, public health associations and health departments," said Wimmer.

For more information on Smoke Free Illinois go to www.smokefreeillinois.org