The Otter Tail County Commission is holding public informational meetings on a proposed county-wide secondhand smoke ordinance in New York Mills on April 6 and in Fergus Falls on April 10.
The April 6 meeting will convene at the county offices in New York Mills from 6:30-8:00 PM. The April 10 meeting will be held at the Government Services Center, 560 W First Ave in Fergus Falls, also from 6:30 8:00 PM.
Secondhand smoke is a major health concern. said David Sanderson, M.D., advisory board member and medical director of Otter Tail County Public Health. An estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths and more than 35,000 coronary heart disease deaths occur annually among adult non-smokers from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Children are also adversely affected. Each year secondhand smoke is associated with an estimated 26,000 new asthma cases in children and 300,000 new cases of bronchitis and pneumonia in children less than 18 months," Dr. Sanderson added.
Dr. Sanderson explained that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have advised persons with heart disease to avoid exposure to secondhand smoke. Even brief exposure can have serious health consequences. With heart disease being the leading cause of death of Otter Tail County residents, large numbers or residents should be avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke at home, in the workplace, and places of recreation.
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The proposed ordinance would protect workers and patrons from secondhand smoke in businesses and public places that currently allow smoking in designated areas or have no restrictions for allowing smoking.
The proposed ordinance would also restrict smoking on the grounds of county owned property; grounds of health care organizations, nursing homes, board and lodging and assisted living facilities. Also under consideration is restricting smoking within 25 feet of entrances to buildings.
The proposed smoke free ordinance has been introduced by the Otter Tail County Community Health Service Advisory Committee. The Committee is appointed by County Commissioners from each commissioner district to advise the county Public Health Department and the Board of Health on issues that affect the publics health.
The Otter Tail County Board of Commissioners is the official Board of Health in Otter Tail County.
George Walter, chairman of the Community Health Services Advisory Board, has been instrumental in bringing the county-side secondhand smoke ordinance forward. He invited the community to get involved; Join me in providing a healthier environment by reducing secondhand smoke and not using harmful drugs.
Questions regarding the informational meetings can be directed to Otter Tail County Public Health (218) 998-8348.
