Kathy Sheran, Guest column

When Gov. Pawlenty signed the Freedom to Breathe Act of 2007, it ended 32 years of waiting to extend smoke-free workplace protections under the Minnesota Clean Indoor Air Act to all Minnesota workers.

While an overwhelming majority of Minnesotans supported the law, public and legislative debate was vigorous and passionate.

The bill was heard in 19 committees, and over 100 amendments were offered throughout its legislative journey.

In the end, the process worked to produce a strong law that is fair and understandable to the public and business owners and that will be easily enforced.

Some smoke-free opponents will continue debating the law right up to and after its effective date on Oct. 1. Fortunately, the experience of smoke-free communities and states across the country help separate fact from fiction and fear.

Lives will be saved, Minnesotans’ health will improve, and the hospitality industry will adapt and survive in a smoke-free Minnesota.

As we transition towards smoke-free, we must not lose sight of why we passed the Freedom to Breathe Act.

The health impacts of secondhand smoke have been well documented by the nation’s leading researchers and health organizations for the last two decades.

Because they are exposed to four to six times more secondhand smoke than others, bar and restaurant workers bear the brunt of these health impacts.

They are 50 percent more likely to develop lung cancer, are at greater risk for heart disease and suffer the day-to-day symptoms and illnesses from their elevated exposure to secondhand smoke.

Eliminating secondhand smoke in bars and restaurants will improve workers’ long and short-term health and benefit patrons as well.

In California, it took only two months for bartenders to report fewer nasal irritations, breathing problems and coughing spells.

Recent studies point to fewer heart attacks after smoke-free laws because they eliminate even the brief exposure that can trigger a heart attack.

Smoke-free debates often focus on the false choice between the health benefits of smoke-free laws and an economically healthy hospitality industry.

Change can be hard and those fears are understandable.

Fortunately, sales and revenue data from smoke-free communities and states show these laws do not change the economic fortunes of the hospitality industry.

By providing additional time and creating a level playing field across the state, the Freedom to Breathe Act is sensitive to business owners’ concerns.

Now that the legislative session has ended, work has already begun to ensure a smooth and successful transition to a smoke-free business climate.

The Minnesota Department of Health and public health organizations around the state are committed to working with communities, businesses and individuals to implement the new law.

Additionally, based on the experience of other states, we know that going smoke-free will prompt some smokers to consider quitting.

Through proceeds from the tobacco settlement, Minnesota is fortunate enough to have free help available to any smoker who wants help through QUITPLAN Services.

Resources are available for individuals and employers looking for help by calling 1-888-354-PLAN.

As we move beyond the Legislature’s smoke-free debate, we can be reassured by the positive experiences of smoke-free states like Maine and New York.

I, for one, am looking forward to clearing the air on Oct. 1.

Sen. Kathy Sheran, DFL-Mankato, represents Senate District 23 and was the lead Senate author of the Freedom to Breathe Act of 2007.