HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0746.032 2000-2002 87 Melani St.
Hilo, Hi 96720
October 8, 2002
TO: The Council of The County of Hawaii
FROM: Moira fianaka, President
March of Dimes Chapter of the Pacific
East Hawaii Division ~ ~
~9.._._
RE: Bill No. 260 - .-7U~~~o'~-~-~
No Smoking Ordinance ~ ~ !
As a volunteer for the March of Dimes Chapter of the Pacific, I wish to state my
strong support for the passage of this Bill.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is linked to fetal growth retardation and
infant mortality. Exposure to second-hand smoke during pregnancy has also
been associated with low birth weight. Studies of babies born to mothers
exposed to second=hand smoke during pregnancy have found levels of several
chemicals known to cause genetic damage and that may be linked to childhood
leukemia and other cancers to be four or five times higher than in babies not
exposed to maternal second-hand smoke. I would ask you, "VNhy should any
mother in Hawaii be forced to expose her unborn infant to such and entirely
preventable risk as a condition of employment?"
The mission of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation is to improve the
health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Many women
of childbearing age are employed as waitresses in restaurants and bars and are
also patrons of these establishments. ill of our county's pregnant women,
including those employed in the restaurant industry should be protected from
undue exposure to situations or environments that may increase the risk of a
less than optimal birth outcome. Promoting safe motherhood is an investment
in our future. I would urge you to act today to protect Hawaii's women and
unborn children by passing this bill.
~oa~nn. oe
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