Secondhand smoke is harmful to everyone, and everyone should be protected from it. It's only fair that hospitality workers like wait staff and bartenders should have the same level of protection as office workers.

In 2006, the State of Arkansas passed a law known as the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2006 during a Special Session of the State Legislature. While the law protects much of the workforce across the state, it is not a comprehensive law, meaning not all workers are protected. Every worker deserves to work in an environment that is healthy and free from secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is a known health risk. Employees who work in smoking facilities are at a higher risk of developing the following diseases: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart disease, stroke, and cancer.

If you are interested in learning more, you can contact our Health Promotions Specialist, Sierra Whitbey, at sierra.whitbey@lung.org