I am a food server here in Duluth and young enough that I never had to work in a smoky bar or restaurant. Now, when I go places where smoking is still allowed, I am amazed that it once was considered the norm to smoke indoors.
According to the Surgeon General, there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
The positive impacts are especially obvious in my line of work. According to a survey, 79 percent of Minnesotans support Freedom to Breathe, and 86 percent believe smoke-free bars and restaurants are healthier for customers and employees.
Since the law went into effect, exposure of hospitality workers to cancer-
causing carcinogens fell by 85 percent, and nicotine exposure decreased by 83 percent. That makes being a server a healthier job choice today.
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As a working student in today's economy, I am glad we have a law that provides a healthy working environment for my fellow employees and me. We don't have to jeopardize our health in order to earn a living and make our way through college -- thanks to the Freedom to Breathe Act.
Shannon Flaherty
Duluth
