Minorities, men, and high school grads

Minorities, males and high school graduates are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke in their workplaces, according to a UW-Comprehensive Cancer Center study entitled, "Smoking Allowed."

The study, which found that 660,000 Wisconsin workers are currently exposed to secondhand smoke in their workplaces, also found disparities among racial, gender and educational level groups.

According to the press release:

• High school graduates are twice as likely to be exposed as college graduates
  
• Men are 50 percent more likely to be exposed to smoke as women
  
• Black and Hispanic workers are twice as likely to be exposed as white workers

A statewide smoke-free air law would help close the health gap between white and minority workers, male and female workers, and high school graduates and college graduates. Workers in secondhand smoke-filled environments deserve the same right to breathe clean air as workers who are currently protected by smoke-free policies.