EDITORIAL

Obey Smoking Laws

by MEGS S. LUNN

The word RESPONSIBLE is defined as accountable, as for something within one’s power; involving duties or obligations; being the source or cause of something; having the capacity to make moral decisions; reliable or dependable.

Kool Earth, the environmental arm of Aklan Medical Society, is keenly watchful of our surroundings. It is a personal conviction when a member of a civic organization becomes aware of his surroundings and make himself worthy member of that organization.

But there is a risk for one who has nobody to be afraid of, one who has the safety of lives in her/his mind. Principled person has nothing to be afraid of. Unless he is politically-minded, and he is afraid to be ousted from the party when he is vigilant and has stepped on someone’s ego.

In the last two months, Kool Earth observes gas pump stations mushroom in Kalibo. Businessmen are putting up gas stations without minding the law. But they must be responsible businessmen, look after the welfare of the community in return. Putting up gas station near school, store that sells and allows smoking nearby is a BIG NO. How much more putting up a smoking area within the parameters of the gas pump station? There must be a "NO SMOKING SIGN WITHIN 50 METERS" in all gas stations for strict compliance.

Republic Act 9211, known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, Section 10 states tobacco products are prohibited within 100 meters from any point of the perimeter of a school, public playground or other facility frequented by minors.

RA 9211 is the first national law on tobacco control after three (3) decades of fighting for it. It is an act to regulate the use, sale, packaging, distribution and advertisement of tobacco products. It aims to protect the people from hazardous products and to promote the right to health and instill health consciousness among them.

Everybody is aware why CLEAN AIR is promoted. As members of society, we must show our love and care for all people. Be watchful of our surroundings to promote a healthful environment, to inform the public of the health risk associated with cigarette smoking and tobacco use, to assist and encourage businessmen and smokers to be responsible members of the community, and oversee the implementation of the laws, among others.

Smoking is absolutely prohibited in all public places especially in the GAS PUMP STATION!

Please avoid exposing non-smokers to secondhand smoke as second hand smoke causes cancer. The law prescribes and designates smoking areas physically separated from the non-smoking areas by solid walls/partition from floor to ceiling interrupted only by doors equipped with door closet to ensure that cigarette smoke will not permeate to the non-smoking areas, prevent smoke to escape to the non-smoking areas from the designated smoking area.

The NO SMOKING SIGN in the gas pump station must be visible to all people in any gas station. The signage posted shall include the warning about health effects of direct or secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke in all public places including gas pump stations.

Chapter 1, Sec. 4 of RA 8749 of the Philippines Clean Air Act states that the citizens have the RIGHT TO BREATHE CLEAN AIR. Any public or private office must observe rules governing smoking like banning it inside a pubic or private office, enclosed public places, public vehicles, airplanes, boats, private residence, and place of work.

Chapter 4, Sec. 39 of the same code states, Public Education and Information Campaign, consistent with Sec. 7 of the said Act, shall encourage the participation of other government agencies and the private sector like Aklan Medical Society, Allied Health Services, Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, the academe, environmental group, and other private entities in the information campaign.

All of us must act now, give our share, help in his own small way. As long as we are together, we have a better chance to achieve clean air and save lives, too. Do not be afraid to say, "I MIND." /MP