Open Column ; Knowledge Is Power in Debate Over Smoking

Summary

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Editor, the Tribune: It has been so gratifying to see the residents of Columbia take a stand in an effort to adopt a smoke- free workplace ordinance. Being a mother of a child with asthma and being diagnosed with asthma recently myself, I have a personal investment in this cause.

I have learned a lot more about the harm of tobacco smoke since this issue has been in the forefront. This has only amplified my passion for this cause. When you consider that 1,200 nonsmoking Missourians die of disease caused by secondhand smoke every year, it is an issue we should all be passionate about. Secondhand smoke is the third-leading cause of preventable death. How many of us have dined with our children in a restaurant that allowed smoking and believed we were out of harm's way because we chose the "nonsmoking" section? You and your children are still breathing smoke-laden air.

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Open Column ; Knowledge Is Power in Debate Over Smoking

I truly hope C...

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