A new campaign is underway in Missouri to reduce smoking and vaping at work and in public spaces. Kentaro Kumanomido, campaign manager for Show Me Smokefree, said current state law does not provide enough protection from second-hand smoke.
“The current law, which was written in 1992, still allows for smoking sections indoors,” Kumanomido told Missourinet. “But studies since then have shown that these types of policies don’t actually protect workers or patrons from the harms of secondhand smoke.”
The campaign will focus on meeting with and encouraging business owners, government officials, youth, and the general public to work toward increasing access to smoke-free and vape-free air, primarily on the local level.
“We’re not quite yet to the point where we’re talking to state legislators,” Kumanomido said. “We are working in several communities throughout Missouri that are impacted by this issue. Once people understand the negative health impacts that they’re being exposed to, there is generally broad support.”
Show Me Smokefree was launched earlier this year by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
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