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Smoking ban forum discusses air filtration
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
10/27/2009
Air filtration systems to curb second-hand smoke got an airing Monday night.
Bill Hannegan, a major opponent of banning smoking in indoor public places, suggested that air filtration systems could be alternative. He and St. Louis County Councilwoman Barbara Fraser, D-University City, the sponsor of the ban on the Nov. 3 St. Louis County ballot, spoke at a forum of the Clayton Chamber of Commerce.
Effective air filtration systems “produce air cleaner than outdoor air,” Hannegan said.
The filtration systems, Fraser said, “get at the issue of smell, but are not effective in eliminating fine particle concentrations and gases.”
Fraser said her smoking ban would protect residents, including those with asthma and other conditions that make people sensitive to second-hand smoke.
Major exemptions to the smoking ban in Fraser’s measure are casino gaming floors, smoking lounges at Lambert Field and some small bars.
The measure “is a result of compromise,” she said. “It is not a perfect bill,” she said. “Fair compromises made the bill possible,” she said.
Hannegan said second-hand smoke is a significant health concern. He said supporters and opponents could have worked out a compromise on a smoking ban that would both protect the public and not hurt businesses.
Some alternatives could involve air filtration systems and limiting smoking to areas that only would admit people more than 21 years old, Hannegan said.
Fraser said studies and experiences of businesses in Ballwin, which fully implemented a smoking ban in 2006, show that bans help rather than hurt businesses. Hannegan pointed to businesses in Ballwin that suffered since the smoking ban.
The Chamber’s forum occurred at Clayton’s community center; about 20 people attended. |
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