To the editor:

As a therapist working very close to the Rhode Island border, I am concerned for the workers and non-smokers who are again being exposed to second-hand smoke inside the casino.

I was astounded when I heard from one of the workers that inside smoking is allowed again.

I have myself been dealing with asthma since childhood and had assumed that inside smoking in public places was a thing of the past. It should be. I have enjoyed frequenting the restaurants inside the casino but will not be doing that as long as smoking is allowed.

The research is clear that second-hand smoke is even more harmful than direct cigarette smoke. Articles in the online health research site “Medscape” link second hand smoke exposure as a direct cause of disease including lung cancer and breathing problems in adults (and children), as well as mouth cancers, and heart problems. These contribute to people having less energy to exercise which adds to poor health. 

Whatever extra money comes from allowing the customers to remain inside is not worth the risk to your non-smoking workers and customers. (Think lawsuits.) I ask that the legislators vote with their conscience to approve RI H7855 to ban indoor smoking in casinos.

Rebecca Janes

Westport

Editor’s note: Rebecca Janes is a licensed mental health counselor.