Dear Editor,

Does the Alabama Legislature have the resolve to stand up for the health of our state’s workforce?

I urge my legislators, Sen. Ward and Rep. Wallace, to support a statewide smoke-free workplace law because every worker in our state deserves to breathe smoke-free air.

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. That means workers who breathe secondhand smoke on the job, like waitresses, waiters and bartenders, are at risk for health problems like lung cancer, which accounts for one-third of all cancer deaths.

Twenty-two states have comprehensive smoke-free workplace laws in place right now. This means 100 percent of all workplaces, as well as restaurants and bars, are smoke-free.

Alabama should be the next state to join this list.

Secondhand smoke is a health threat to a significant portion of Alabama’s workforce. We need to take the lead for health’s sake.

Aimee Eiland, Clanton