The current ordinance, adopted in 2006, prohibits the smoking of tobacco products in buildings open to the public.
Several people addressed the commission. They requested the smoking ban be expanded to prohibit electronic smoking devices and tobacco smoking in all places of employment, playgrounds, city parks and city-owned recreational areas.
Dr. Pat Withrow quoted study results that were recently published in the medical journal Cancer. The study examined two decades of lung cancer data in Kentucky and concluded that comprehensive smoke-free policies are associated with fewer new cases of lung cancer as compared to weak or moderate smoke-free policies.
The current smoking ban ordinance is not considered to be comprehensive; it is considered to be moderate. Dr. Withrow said, "The only way to have evidence-based health benefits is for Paducah to have a strong smoke-free ordinance."
"We are number one for active smoking and number one for production of secondhand smoke or passive smoke. Kentucky is the lung cancer capitol of the United States," said Withrow.
Mayor Brandi Harless told the commission the amendments to the ordinance will be presented to the commission at its January 9th meeting.
Others speaking on the smoking ordinance included Baptist Health CEO Chris Roty, Lourdes CEO Michael Yungman and Purchase District Health Department Health Education Coordinator Kaylene Cornell.
In other commission action, a three-year contract between the city and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees was approved and will be in effect starting July 1. City employees who are members of the union work in the Engineering-Public Works and Parks and Recreation Departments.
Prior to the meeting Paducah Mayor Harless read a proclamation in honor of the American Red Cross 100th year of service in Paducah. Accepting the proclamation was Red Cross board member Jennifer Rukavina.
On the Net:
University of Kentucky article on smoking bans
