Smoke-free Casinos:
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| Environmental and Biological Assessment of Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposure Among Casino Dealers Las Vegas, Nevada |
- Health Hazard Evaluations: HETA 2005-0076 (Bally's and Paris) and HETA 2005-0201 (Caesars Palace)
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received confidential requests for health hazard evaluations
at Bally’s, Paris, and Caesars Palace casinos in Las Vegas, Nevada. The requests concerned prolonged exposure to
environmental tobacco smoke. NIOSH investigators measured environmental tobacco smoke exposure and surveyed casino
employees about health symptoms. They conducted site visits in July 2005, August 2005, and January 2006. Specifically,
NIOSH interviewed non-poker casino dealers about symptoms that may have been related to environmental tobacco smoke,
and collected air samples and urine samples to see if components of environmental tobacco smoke were absorbed into their
bodies. NIOSH surveyed non-poker casino dealers and casino office staff about their work, medical problems and symptoms.
What did NIOSH find and recommend?
Evidence of workplace exposure to environmental tobacco smoke was demonstrated by a measurable increase of a biological
marker (NNAL), which is a known lung carcinogen, over a work shift in non-poker casino dealers. NIOSH also found
components of environmental tobacco smoke in the air of the three casinos, and in the urine of non-poker dealers, showing
that these components were absorbed into their bodies. Non-poker casino dealers reported higher prevalence of respiratory
symptoms than administrative and engineering workers who were not exposed to environmental tobacco smoke at work, but
these differences were not statistically significant. The casinos should institute a casino-wide no smoking policy, offer a
smoking cessation program for their employees, and assure that ventilation systems are working properly.
The final report is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2005-0201-3080.pdf.
| NIOSH Department of "Centers for Disease Control & Prevention" (CDC) recommends that casinos should institute a casino-wide no smoking policy (May 2009) |
When Wyandotte County enacted new restrictions on smoking this
year, it exempted the gambling floor of the planned state-owned
casino there, for as long as casinos on the Missouri side of the
metro area allow smoking.
County spokesman Mike Taylor said a ban only in Kansas would be
a "competition killer" for its sister state.
"Smokers will vote with their feet," said Eric Schippers, a spokesman
for Penn National Gaming Inc., a Wyomissing, Pa., company
involved in the proposed Wyandotte County casino. "There is no
question that your business will do less revenues."
"Casinos are really now are coming into the forefront," said
Stephanie Steinberg, Smoke-Free Gaming's chairwoman. "Think
about the image of the [poker] dogs sitting around the table,
smoking cigars. That image is obsolete."
Earlier this year, the Kansas Senate approved a bill to impose a
statewide ban on smoking in many public places, but the measure
exempted gambling floors in new casinos. The bill stalled in the
House.
The American Gaming Association reported that in 2008, two states
year, it exempted the gambling floor of the planned state-owned
casino there, for as long as casinos on the Missouri side of the
metro area allow smoking.
County spokesman Mike Taylor said a ban only in Kansas would be
a "competition killer" for its sister state.
"Smokers will vote with their feet," said Eric Schippers, a spokesman
for Penn National Gaming Inc., a Wyomissing, Pa., company
involved in the proposed Wyandotte County casino. "There is no
question that your business will do less revenues."
"Casinos are really now are coming into the forefront," said
Stephanie Steinberg, Smoke-Free Gaming's chairwoman. "Think
about the image of the [poker] dogs sitting around the table,
smoking cigars. That image is obsolete."
Earlier this year, the Kansas Senate approved a bill to impose a
statewide ban on smoking in many public places, but the measure
exempted gambling floors in new casinos. The bill stalled in the
House.
The American Gaming Association reported that in 2008, two states
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that imposed smoking bans that year saw the biggest declines in commercial casino revenues. In Illinois, revenues dropped nearly 21
percent and in Colorado, the drop exceeded 12 percent.
But in May, a University of Michigan study said evidence from other types of gambling in Delaware and Massachusetts was "mixed."
Steinberg questioned whether casinos will lose money because customers must leave tables and slots to go outside to smoke.
"The same argument applies to someone who has to use the restroom," she said. "They're not afforded the ability to urinate on
themselves at the slot machine."
As for health issues, Schippers and other industry officials acknowledge them but say measures such as high ceilings and strong
ventilation systems address them. Yet in May, a federal report concluded that 147 dealers at three Las Vegas casinos were exposed
to chemicals in secondhand smoke during their shifts and recommended a smoking ban.
Van Petten said he wants to leave those issues to state legislators and city and county governing boards. He acknowledges the
lottery could try to impose a ban through contracts with casino operators but, "We don't legislate."
Steinberg contends the ADA - designed to prevent discrimination and guarantee access to activities and services - compels the
lottery to ban smoking in the new casinos. Amendments taking effect this year clarified the definition of disability to include
substantial problems with major bodily functions.
"There is an ADA enforcement action that should not be ignored," she said.
During the 1990s, a wheelchair user filed a federal ADA lawsuit against the lottery, saying too many of the retail outlets selling tickets
were inaccessible. The lottery prevailed but was required to pay the man's legal fees and now has a program to inspect retailers.
Van Petten views the lottery's relationship with casino managers as being like the ones it has with the retailers selling its tickets. He's
confident it will meet ADA requirements if casinos have good ventilation systems or establish smoke-free zones.
Fadale, the ADA coordinator, said with private businesses, the emphasis under the federal law is making sure their premises are
accessible. He said the state has a duty to see that its services, activities and programs can be used by people with disabilities.
So far, he noted, U.S. Justice Department regulations accompanying the ADA suggest a smoking ban isn't mandated. But Fadale
said the state - and the casinos - could face other requirements.
"This is a work in progress," he said. "However it gets hammered or hashed out, we'll be compliant with those obligations."
percent and in Colorado, the drop exceeded 12 percent.
But in May, a University of Michigan study said evidence from other types of gambling in Delaware and Massachusetts was "mixed."
Steinberg questioned whether casinos will lose money because customers must leave tables and slots to go outside to smoke.
"The same argument applies to someone who has to use the restroom," she said. "They're not afforded the ability to urinate on
themselves at the slot machine."
As for health issues, Schippers and other industry officials acknowledge them but say measures such as high ceilings and strong
ventilation systems address them. Yet in May, a federal report concluded that 147 dealers at three Las Vegas casinos were exposed
to chemicals in secondhand smoke during their shifts and recommended a smoking ban.
Van Petten said he wants to leave those issues to state legislators and city and county governing boards. He acknowledges the
lottery could try to impose a ban through contracts with casino operators but, "We don't legislate."
Steinberg contends the ADA - designed to prevent discrimination and guarantee access to activities and services - compels the
lottery to ban smoking in the new casinos. Amendments taking effect this year clarified the definition of disability to include
substantial problems with major bodily functions.
"There is an ADA enforcement action that should not be ignored," she said.
During the 1990s, a wheelchair user filed a federal ADA lawsuit against the lottery, saying too many of the retail outlets selling tickets
were inaccessible. The lottery prevailed but was required to pay the man's legal fees and now has a program to inspect retailers.
Van Petten views the lottery's relationship with casino managers as being like the ones it has with the retailers selling its tickets. He's
confident it will meet ADA requirements if casinos have good ventilation systems or establish smoke-free zones.
Fadale, the ADA coordinator, said with private businesses, the emphasis under the federal law is making sure their premises are
accessible. He said the state has a duty to see that its services, activities and programs can be used by people with disabilities.
So far, he noted, U.S. Justice Department regulations accompanying the ADA suggest a smoking ban isn't mandated. But Fadale
said the state - and the casinos - could face other requirements.
"This is a work in progress," he said. "However it gets hammered or hashed out, we'll be compliant with those obligations."
Group: Smoking in Kansas casinos an ADA problem
| By JOHN HANNA , 09.14.09 | Forbes.com |
| Smoke-Free Gaming, based in the Denver area, contends Kansas will be responsible for denying full access to individuals with lung and breathing problems because its lottery is legal owner of the new gambling |
| For technical issues or errors, please contact webmasterACAS@live.com | Rick Johnson |
Please make your tax deductible donation to: Arizonans Concerned About Smoking, Inc.
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| Casino smoke [still] takes your breath away |
(*02/25/2008 by Dr. Leland Fairbanks, President ACAS) In recent years, I having been getting dozens of the same kind
of smoke-filled Casino air pollution messages from friends. (Messages From both Native Americans and Non-Natives).
Some usually reasonable people even curse about how pathetically unhealthy it was to even stick their head inside a
typical casino for a few minutes to the extent that they won't go back again until Casinos change and ban indoor
smoking. Contrary to public perceptions of 20 years ago, secondhand smoke pollution is now so unacceptable to most
people that it is no longer bad for business to promote clean air and promote good health among employees and
patrons. Few people , even the most addicted of smokers are so self-centered as to insist on smoking indoors in
shared airspace. The social norm throughout America and many other countries abroad has changed drastically in
recent years about no longer wanting to breath environmental tobacco smoke with its cancer causing potential.
It is truly refreshing to note the current Navajo Nation Commercial Tobacco Free Southwest Navajo Tobacco Education
and Prevention Program (SNTEPP) Project going forward on the Navajo Nation. “Arizonans Concerned About Smoking”
(ACAS) salutes the Navajo Courage and strongly supports their effort as does Dr Richard H. Carmona, 17thU.S.Surgeon
General, and many Health and Public Health groups, as well as other groups with the courage to stand up and be
counted. This Navajo Nation project is particularly important, and deserves our solid support because it will be
precedent setting by making all 5 of the future Navajo Nation casinos open smoke-free on the Reservation. (Unless the
Tribal Council is unable to resist the heavy pressure now being sent their way from outside the Reservation by Big
Commercial Tobacco Companies and their affiliated allies.
On 11-15-08, the Great American Smoke-Out Day at Phoenix Indian Medical Center, 252 Native Americans passed by our
“Arizonans Concerned About Smoking” exhibit table. 250out of the 252 (99%) of the Native Americans signed our
Resolution calling for all Casinos to ban indoor smoking and become smokefree for the sake of the workers, just like
all other workplaces. Strong feelings were expressed that we’ve got to stop treating casino employees like
unimportant second class citizens, whose health protection is less important than other workers. It is unfortunate that
some have said incorrectly that whenever doctors and health experts (as well as private citizens) dare to speak up and
ask for remedial correction of the typical unhealthy smoke pollution and increased disease rates in Casino workers
throughout America, it automatically makes such persons both anti-business and anti-Native American.
There is an unfortunate disconnect between the view that (“smoking is great for business”) as advocated in the past
to be the common Casino Business leader perception in America and current enlightened public social norms. The new
reality in 2008 is that more non-Native Americans as potential tourists and casino patrons are driven away by the
smoke, than attracted by it. Hence most health conscious people don't now go to Casinos because of the smoke. Most
Native Americans regard and recognize the casino air pollution as not the Traditional Native American Way to allow
addictively promoted commercial tobacco to be manufactured, exploited and used. It is a contradiction compared to
the limiting of the tobacco plant use to the traditional sacred ceremonial occasions. Many Native Americans have come
to me to complain about allowing the: “White Man's Commercial Tobacco Smoke” to pollute the air in our casinos and ”
give preventable cancer and breathing problems to our Native American Casino Employees”, who need jobs to support
their families.
The time for corrective action regarding the smoky unhealthy casino workplaces in America has long since passed. I
believe that the Navajos are just the ones with the courage to take the corrective action, as an important component of
their comprehensive Commercial Tobacco Free Project. It will be the right thing for the health and well being of the
Navajo Nation, with spinoff role model impact benefits extending America-Wide as pace setters for others everywhere.
Respectfully,
Leland L. Fairbanks, MD, MPH Family Physician, Indian Health Service 1958-88; President, Arizonans Concerned About
Smoking
Arizona Native Scene Feb 25, 2008
of smoke-filled Casino air pollution messages from friends. (Messages From both Native Americans and Non-Natives).
Some usually reasonable people even curse about how pathetically unhealthy it was to even stick their head inside a
typical casino for a few minutes to the extent that they won't go back again until Casinos change and ban indoor
smoking. Contrary to public perceptions of 20 years ago, secondhand smoke pollution is now so unacceptable to most
people that it is no longer bad for business to promote clean air and promote good health among employees and
patrons. Few people , even the most addicted of smokers are so self-centered as to insist on smoking indoors in
shared airspace. The social norm throughout America and many other countries abroad has changed drastically in
recent years about no longer wanting to breath environmental tobacco smoke with its cancer causing potential.
It is truly refreshing to note the current Navajo Nation Commercial Tobacco Free Southwest Navajo Tobacco Education
and Prevention Program (SNTEPP) Project going forward on the Navajo Nation. “Arizonans Concerned About Smoking”
(ACAS) salutes the Navajo Courage and strongly supports their effort as does Dr Richard H. Carmona, 17thU.S.Surgeon
General, and many Health and Public Health groups, as well as other groups with the courage to stand up and be
counted. This Navajo Nation project is particularly important, and deserves our solid support because it will be
precedent setting by making all 5 of the future Navajo Nation casinos open smoke-free on the Reservation. (Unless the
Tribal Council is unable to resist the heavy pressure now being sent their way from outside the Reservation by Big
Commercial Tobacco Companies and their affiliated allies.
On 11-15-08, the Great American Smoke-Out Day at Phoenix Indian Medical Center, 252 Native Americans passed by our
“Arizonans Concerned About Smoking” exhibit table. 250out of the 252 (99%) of the Native Americans signed our
Resolution calling for all Casinos to ban indoor smoking and become smokefree for the sake of the workers, just like
all other workplaces. Strong feelings were expressed that we’ve got to stop treating casino employees like
unimportant second class citizens, whose health protection is less important than other workers. It is unfortunate that
some have said incorrectly that whenever doctors and health experts (as well as private citizens) dare to speak up and
ask for remedial correction of the typical unhealthy smoke pollution and increased disease rates in Casino workers
throughout America, it automatically makes such persons both anti-business and anti-Native American.
There is an unfortunate disconnect between the view that (“smoking is great for business”) as advocated in the past
to be the common Casino Business leader perception in America and current enlightened public social norms. The new
reality in 2008 is that more non-Native Americans as potential tourists and casino patrons are driven away by the
smoke, than attracted by it. Hence most health conscious people don't now go to Casinos because of the smoke. Most
Native Americans regard and recognize the casino air pollution as not the Traditional Native American Way to allow
addictively promoted commercial tobacco to be manufactured, exploited and used. It is a contradiction compared to
the limiting of the tobacco plant use to the traditional sacred ceremonial occasions. Many Native Americans have come
to me to complain about allowing the: “White Man's Commercial Tobacco Smoke” to pollute the air in our casinos and ”
give preventable cancer and breathing problems to our Native American Casino Employees”, who need jobs to support
their families.
The time for corrective action regarding the smoky unhealthy casino workplaces in America has long since passed. I
believe that the Navajos are just the ones with the courage to take the corrective action, as an important component of
their comprehensive Commercial Tobacco Free Project. It will be the right thing for the health and well being of the
Navajo Nation, with spinoff role model impact benefits extending America-Wide as pace setters for others everywhere.
Respectfully,
Leland L. Fairbanks, MD, MPH Family Physician, Indian Health Service 1958-88; President, Arizonans Concerned About
Smoking
Arizona Native Scene Feb 25, 2008
| Below: From Arizona Native Scene back-issue dated 02/25/2008. To view entire issue, click logo to the left or here. |
| * "ACAS President's 2008 Letter to the Arizona Native Scene editor still inspires 2010 "Smokefree Workplaces" activists." - ACAS Webmaster Rick J |
To understand why ventilation
read
"Air Filtration"? That's Just
Tobacco Companies
Blowing Smoke Again"
"The Health Consequences of
Involuntary Exposure to
Tobacco Smoke: A Report of
the Surgeon General"
excerpted (2006) (Word doc)
read
"Air Filtration"? That's Just
Tobacco Companies
Blowing Smoke Again"
"The Health Consequences of
Involuntary Exposure to
Tobacco Smoke: A Report of
the Surgeon General"
excerpted (2006) (Word doc)
| Secondhand Smoke and Nevada Casino Workers: Exposure and Health Risks PowerPoint By Dr. Chris A. Pritsos / University of Nevada / Reno, Nevada |
| "Sincere thanks to Dr Pritsos for his kind permission to share this PowerPoint." Contact smokefreeaz@yahoo.com for more info |
| See Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights (ANR's) 4-page backgrounder on Smokefree Casinos. |
Don't be fooled!
Please Read:
Displacement
Ventilation Fails to
Control Secondhand
Smoke
by James Repace
Please Read:
Displacement
Ventilation Fails to
Control Secondhand
Smoke
by James Repace
