Dr. Eric Johnson, Grand Forks, letter: Debate is over about
secondhand smokeThe fact is that in 2012, the science supports
reduction of exposure to secondhand smoke for all North
Dakotans. By: Dr. Eric Johnson, GRAND FORKS — As a health care
provider, I know that the health hazards from smoking are
apparent. In 2006, secondhand smoke dangers were clearly
summarized. Surgeon General Richard Carmona stated, “The debate
is over. The science is clear. Secondhand smoke is not a mere
annoyance, but a serious health hazard.” Secondhand smoke
contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 69 —
including arsenic, ammonia, formaldehyde and polonium 210 — that
cause cancer. According to the Centers For Disease Control and
Prevention, nearly 50,000 Americans die each year from lung
cancer and heart disease attributable to secondhand smoke
exposure. Studies show that children, the elderly and people
with respiratory illnesses are especially vulnerable to
secondhand smoke. For example, children exposed to secondhan