That should settle a lawsuit filed by a couple who said that their neighbor’s cigar smoke was sickening their children, ages 6 and 3. They were experiencing [...]]]> This is unusual: A cigar-smoker who was taken to court by his neighbors has agreed to pay them $2,000 every time he lights up, the New York Post reports.

That should settle a lawsuit filed by a couple who said that their neighbor’s cigar smoke was sickening their children, ages 6 and 3. They were experiencing breathing problems and ear infections — classic harms associated with children exposed to secondhand smoke.

“It’s pungent enough that you can’t eat dinner,” Russell Poses, said.

The story highlights a growing problem: Secondhand smoke drifting from one unit to another in multiunit dwellings. It goes through air ducts, spaces between walls and can even penetrate drywall.

The best solution is to make the whole building smokefree.

Shame on the mayor for letting down the hotel workers who will have to breathe toxins on those nights. And shame on the mayor for forcing workers to choose between their health and a [...]]]> We just got word that Mayor Adrian Fenty has signed “emergency” legislation that will allow cigar smoking at two upcoming hotel events.

Shame on the mayor for letting down the hotel workers who will have to breathe toxins on those nights. And shame on the mayor for forcing workers to choose between their health and a paycheck. This measure places the health and safety of hotel employees at risk, as well as that of all attendees.

By signing this bill, Mayor Fenty has given in to Council cronyism (Jack Evans sought this exemption for his own club, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick) and tells the electorate that the city does not take seriously its own laws.

We urge smokefree supporters to contact the Council at [...]]]> D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans (Ward 2) has introduced “emergency” legislation being considered today that would permit groups to smoke cigars at certain events (he is a member of one group that wants to do this on St. Patrick’s Day).
 
The Examiner has a pretty comprehensive story on it.

We urge smokefree supporters to contact the Council at dccouncil@dccouncil.us and remind theml that the law is the law for very good reasons (worker and public health), and the Council should not bend it.

Granting exemptions not only would open the floodgates for others to seek similar exemptions, but would send a message that the Council does not take seriously the laws it passes. And of course, there would be health consequences for the workers at the events.
 
If you prefer to call the Council, contact information is at http://www.dccouncil.washington.dc.us/contactuscouncil .