Dangers of secondhand smoke
To the Editor:
As a non-smoking frequenter of Chicago restaurants and bars that allow smoking, I return home from these outings with the smell of cigarette smoke lingering in my clothes. I don’t like it, but it’s my right to decide whether or not to patronize these establishments.
My friend Niki doesn’t have that right. As a waitress at a popular Lincoln Square restaurant/bar, she is subjected to secondhand smoke during every shift that she works. The effect of this is the equivalent of smoking a pack of cigarettes. Long term, she is 20 to 30 percent more likely to develop cancer and has a 25 to 35 percent increased risk of coronary death.
All Chicagoans deserve a healthy work environment. Please support a comprehensive smoke-free Chicago ordinance that will protect workers in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars, from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Learn more and sign up with the coalition at www.smokefreechicago.org.
Christine Mauer
Lincoln Square
Useful article
To the Editor:
The "Bigger-Better" article by Nancy Simon in the latest Inside (June 29-July 5, 2005) was particularly relevant for our community and provided information and background useful to all residents as we move ahead toward preliminary landmarking. As you well know, information is the key.
Jane M. Curry
Arlington-Deming Neighbors
Great work
To the Editor:
I picked up your paper at the Peterson/Western 7-eleven and enjoyed the articles you had. I was enthused at how well the stories were written and how informative it was — keep up the great work!
Chris Bugarin |
