Top 5 Reasons Iowa Casinos Should Go Smokefree

Here’s why Lung Association urges casinos to end indoor smoking
As Iowa’s largest casino, Prairie Meadows, considers ending indoor smoking, the American Lung Association in Iowa outlines the top 5 reasons all casinos should go smokefree. Experts are available for interviews and b-roll is available upon request. Why should Prairie Meadows and all Iowa casinos end indoor smoking?
  1. Secondhand smoke is still not safe, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Secondhand smoke causes lung cancer and heart disease and worsens existing health conditions.
     
  2. Most Iowans don’t smoke anyway. Research shows most Iowans are nonsmokers.
     
  3. It’s good for business. Nearly 80% of casino players would prefer to play in a nonsmoking environment. Smokefree laws are widely supported in Iowa and do not negatively affect sales in hospitality.
     
  4. Most casinos are now smokefree. There are more than 1,000 smokefree casinos and gambling venues in the US, including neighboring states Nebraska and Wisconsin.
     
  5. It protects the health of casino employees. Casino workers exposed to secondhand smoke during a work shift have measurable increases of lung cancer-causing chemicals, according to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
     
  6. BONUS: Fancy filtration systems don’t work. Even the best air filtration systems do not protect workers and patrons from the harmful toxins of secondhand smoke. The only solution is 100% smokefree indoors.
For more information, contact:

James A. Martinez
(312) 445-2501
[email protected]

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