Casino Workers Face 30% Higher Risk of Lung Cancer Due to Secondhand Smoke
Worker-Led Movement Continues Fight for Popular, Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Workplace Conditions, Close Casino Smoking Loophole
Berkeley, CA— In recognition of World Lung Cancer Day on August 1, Cynthia Hallett, president and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, issued the following statement:
“This World Lung Cancer Day, we recognize the tireless work of so many to research, treat and prevent the leading cause of cancer deaths in our society. Unfortunately, casinos continue to be one of the last bastions of indoor smoking, leaving thousands of casino workers to deal with the harmful chemicals and health problems associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. According to the CDC, casino workers’ risk of developing lung cancer increases by as much as 30% due to the fact that they’re exposed to secondhand smoke at work.
“Thanks to a worker-led movement gaining momentum across the country, states like New Jersey, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania are closer than ever to passing legislation that would close the casino smoking loophole and protect casino workers and the overwhelming majority of casino guests that do not smoke. Due to the public health benefits and ongoing success of smokefree casinos, more than 150 Tribal casinos and 21 states have adopted smokefree policies. No one should be forced to choose between their health and a paycheck. That is why we’re continuing to fight for these policies and we look forward to the day that casino workers can earn a living without being exposed to secondhand smoke and risking their lives.”
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ABOUT AMERICANS FOR NONSMOKERS’ RIGHTS
Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR) is a member-supported, non-profit advocacy group that has been working for over 45 years, since 1976, to protect everyone’s right to breathe nontoxic air in workplaces and public places, from offices and airplanes to restaurants, bars, and casinos. ANR has continuously shined a light on the tobacco industry’s interference with sound and life-saving public health measures and successfully protected 61% of the population with local or statewide smokefree workplace, restaurant, and bar laws. ANR aims to close gaps in smokefree protections for workers in all workplaces, including bars, music venues, casinos, and hotels. For more information, please visit https://nonsmokersrights.org and https://smokefreecasinos.org.
