On Thursday, Nov. 16, the American Cancer Society will observe the 30th annual Great American Smokeout by urging lawmakers to protect the health of workers and patrons and to pass comprehensive smoke-free laws.

The Great American Smokeout began 30 years ago in Minnesota, and was then known as D-Day, or Donít Smoke Day, to encourage smokers to quit. This has since expanded across the U.S. to include candid dialogue about the importance of protecting Americans from exposure to deadly secondhand smoke via comprehensive smoke-free laws. These policies not only protect workers and patrons from exposure to the 4,000 chemicals and more than 60 known or probable carcinogens in secondhand smoke, but also encourage smokers to quit.

Since the first Great American Smokeout in 1976, more than 2,200 communities and 18 states from all regions of the country - urban and rural - have granted citizens the right to breathe smoke-free air. ìAlthough weíve come a long way in the past 30 years, much work remains to be done because thousands of people in Minnesota remain exposed to secondhand smoke,î said Maribeth Swenty, Vice President for the American Cancer Society in Minnesota.

Last June, the U.S. Surgeon Generalís report on the dangers of secondhand smoke confirmed secondhand smoke is a public health hazard and identified smoke-free workplace laws as the only effective way to protect all Americans from it. Comprehensive smoke-free workplace laws help prevent tobacco related illnesses, such as lung cancer, heart disease and emphysema, and reduce the costs of treatment. Approximately 40,000 nonsmokers die from heart disease - 3,000 from lung cancer every year in the U.S. due to secondhand smoke.

For smokers who want to quit and those interested in learning more about smoking cessation, as well as the America Cancer Societyís smoke-free efforts, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or log on to www.cancer.org.

The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the Society has 13 regional Divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States. For more information anytime, call toll-free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org

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