Is there a safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke?
• No occupational health and safety authority has established a safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Dr. Perry Kendall, the B.C. Provincial Health Officer, stated in February 2000, “There is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke . . . . It causes heart disease, lung cancer, asthmatic attacks and other related diseases. No worker should be exposed to this hazard.” What are the implications if the government recommends a general ventilation option? • If the government recommends a general ventilation option, they will also have to set a standard for a safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. Since scientists around the world agree that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke, exposing workers to any amount of cigarette smoke is unacceptable. • If a general ventilation solution is allowed for the hospitality sector, it could open the gates for ventilation “solutions” in all BC workplaces. However, no level of government in the western world has establi
