The Masonic Cancer Center is a leader in research of the effects of secondhand smoke in the household and in the workplace.

Secondhand smoke in the news

• January 7, 2007 St. Paul Pioneer Press editorial quoting Cancer Center researcher Stephen Hecht, Ph.D.: Ban smoking in the workplace statewide (free registration may be required to view article)
• Secondhand smoke poses risk to children's health (Health Talk & You column by Dr. Hecht)
• Carcinogens from cigarette smoke found in toenails
• U of M researchers find cancer-causing chemicals in urine of infants whose parents smoke
• Study finds secondhand smoke in bars and restaurants leads to increased levels of cancer-causing toxins in workers

Smoke Free Minnesota Day at the Capitol

Help make 2007 the year the Minnesota Legislature passes a statewide smoking ban. People from throughout Minnesota will converge on the Capitol Tuesday, Jan. 30, to meet with their legislators and their staffs to advocate for a statewide smoking ban. To learn more about Smoke Free Day at the Capitol and to register, visit www.smokefreeminnesota.com.

These Smoke Free Minnesota Fact Sheets (PDF) are helpful resources if you plan to visit with legislators. They include:

• The Evidence is Clear: Secondhand Smoke is Harmful
• The Dangers of Secondhand Smoke
• Smoke-Free Policies Improve Health and Have Positive Economic Benefits for Business
• Benefits of Smoke-Free Policies