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By Dr. Mark Brown and Berton Whitaker

Recently in our community, there has been a great deal of discussion regarding the potential ill effects of tobacco use and a growing debate over a smoking ban in local establishments related to second-hand smoke.

As the leading health care provider in this region, it is our responsibility to provide accurate information to enable the public to make an informed decision on this issue.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tobacco use is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. More deaths are caused each year by tobacco use than by all deaths from HIV, illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides and murders combined. Moreover, these statistics not only include tobacco users themselves, but also those who are affected by second-hand smoke.

In Hopkins County, the prevalence of smoking includes 28 percent of the adult population and 25 percent of high school students, with each statistic surpassing both state and national averages. High rates of smoking in our community translate to greater exposure to second- hand smoke, affecting virtually all community members from both a health and economic standpoint. With no risk-free level of second-hand smoke, even brief exposure can be dangerous. As the only source of airborne nicotine, second-hand smoke contains 250 chemicals known to be toxic, and more than 50 that can cause cancer

(CDC).

Medical studies have demonstrated that secondhand smoke is a significant factor in the following:

• Adults: lung cancer, asthma attacks, emphysema, periodontitis, heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, respiratory illness and pancreatic cancer.

• Children: asthma, low birth weight, hearing loss, ear infections, pneumonia, bronchitis. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and other respiratory illnesses.

Moreover, a 2005 study by the Society of Actuaries estimates second- hand smoke costs the U.S. economy $10 billion annually. According to Dr. William Hacker, commissioner for the state Department of Public Health, cigarette-related diseases cost Kentuckians $1.5 billion in health care per year. Smokers reliant on Medicaid cost individual taxpayers approximately $600 per household annually.

Smoking clearly has a profound negative effect on both your health and your wallet, whether you are a smoker or a non-smoker. As the debate related to tobacco use continues, we urge all citizens to consider these facts.


Mark Browne, M.D., is vice president - medical affairs for Trover Health System. Berton Whitaker is THS’s chief executive officer.

is President & CEO of Trover Health System.

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