Other states leave Michigan in the smoke May 12, 2007 Businesses complain about rising health care costs but often do little to improve the poor health habits of their employees, including cigarette smoking. We can all do something about it by pushing our legislators to join Illinois and other enlightened states that have banned smoking in the workplace ("Land of Lincoln breathing easier," May 5). Smoking is deadly for smokers as well as those around them. Last year, 49,000 nonsmokers in the United States died from effects of secondhand smoke. It's not fair to allow smokers to harm other people's health. Restaurant and bar owners should not fear losing business with a workplace smoking ban. Gregory J. Forzley, MD Chair, Michigan State Medical Society Board of Directors, East Lansing No indoor smoking We need smoke-free restaurants and public places. My husband is a 52-year-old stroke survivor. I have several allergies and a daughter with asthma. In order to sit at most restaurants, we need to walk through the smoke to get to our table. Many restaurants put their smoking section in the back to avoid this, usually right by the bathrooms or the salad bar. So we still get to suffer the smoke to get food or to the rest room. The only effective way to protect against secondhand smoke is to eliminate indoor smoking. Janet Estes Detroit Healthy attraction Second-hand smoke contributes to rates of heart disease and lung diseases, including cancer. Increased rates of these diseases mean increased health care costs for the state (the taxpayers). Being smoke-free marks an area as health conscious and forward-thinking -- something out-of-state businesses and residents are likely to consider when thinking of relocating. And statistics show that restaurants and bars in places with smoke-free laws increased their business once they became smoke free. It's really time for Michigan to show that it's health conscious, progressive and sophisticated (like San Francisco, New York and Chicago) and pass a smoke-free law. Diane Polish Royal Oak Michigan falls behind The Michigan Legislature is allowing our state to fall behind this spreading trend. It's another way that Michigan displays that it is not a progressive place to live and work. State legislators should realize that they are representing the people of Michigan, and over 70% support a workplace smoking ban, including in bars and restaurants. John Zurek Sylvan Lake Follow others' lead It is time for Michigan to join many other states and countries in passing smoke-free legislation. I recently spent one year in Sweden, where just over a year ago smoke-free legislation was passed nationwide. People throughout Sweden were worried about the effect smoke-free regulations would have on businesses and their social lives. However, the vast majority accept and appreciate the recent changes. Restaurants and bars are just as busy and popular as ever. And this legislation is saving lives. Kim T. Rock Grosse Ile Behind the healthier times Gov. Rod Blagojevich of Illinois signed smoke-free legislation on May 1, making that state the 27th to protect its citizens in all public places, including restaurants, from secondhand smoke. Michigan legislators have been playing with similar bills for six years, even though they know that two-thirds of Michigan voters are in favor of smoke-free legislation. Are we going to be viewed by more and more Americans as Neanderthals? Richard Mullally Muskegon Get in tune with health I am a nonsmoking musician who frequently has to play in very smoky bars and restaurants. I have long felt that it's unfair that my health is compromised due to the dangerous habits of others. It's past time for state lawmakers to do what is best for the health of its residents and enact the smoke-free legislation. The argument that businesses will lose revenue if Michigan goes smoke-free is unfounded. Janel deVries Canton