Today, Jan. 2, 2007, is the day that Pittsburgh changes from a "smoky city" to a "smoke-free city!" The Allegheny County smoke-free workplace ordinance takes effect and will protect virtually all employees and the public from the harm of tobacco-smoke pollution. Although weakened somewhat after initial passage and by a judicial order temporarily holding up its application to bars and restaurants, the ordinance will increase workplace safety, protect public health and improve the image of our region.

Gregory J. Hartley is assistant director of SmokeFree Pennsylvania (hartleygreg@verizon.net).

Implementation of smoke-free indoor areas will be an adjustment for some citizens, and this period of behavioral change is a good time to examine related issues not covered by the ordinance.

Although the ordinance was amended to prohibit smoking only within five feet of building entrances, please be considerate and stand at least 15 feet away. Based on our experience, the current standoff-distance requirement will be largely ineffective. It is unfair for nonsmokers to contend with a concentrated cloud of tobacco smoke in order to enter a building. The smoke from just outside an entrance is often drawn into buildings by ventilation systems and can ruin an ostensibly smoke-free environment. Most ordinances with standoff requirements specify more effective distances, such as 20 feet in Philadelphia and Scranton, and 25 feet in Washington state.

The county smoke-free ordinance stipulates the minimum requirements to protect people from tobacco-smoke pollution, but businesses are free to do more, unless otherwise precluded by collective bargaining agreements. There is no inherent "right to smoke." For example, businesses that own surrounding outdoor property can prohibit smoking at distances greater than five feet from entrances. They also can eliminate smoking in company vehicles.

Although volunteer organizations are exempt from the ordinance (if no person under age 18 is permitted to attend), we strongly urge a smoke-free policy at fundraising events. A clean-air environment would provide greater opportunities for a larger segment of the community to take part in philanthropic activities.

Restaurants and taverns can provide completely smoke-free indoor and outdoor dining areas, as some already have done (see www.NoSmokeDining.org for a list).

Don't smoke in your house or your car if children or nonsmokers are present. Secondhand smoke can cause significant respiratory problems in children, inducing asthma, and it is a major cause of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Smoking in a different room is not a solution; household ventilation distributes the toxins everywhere. Even when alone in your home, you might want to consider your own safety and step outside for a smoke -- nearly half of house fires are caused by smoking.

Cigarette litter is a big problem. Many butts are carelessly tossed out car windows or squashed on the sidewalk. Although not seen again by the smoker, the cellulose acetate filters remain in the environment for as long as other forms of plastic. They are an eyesore in our beautiful city and can harm wildlife.

According to the group Clean Virginia Waterways, "Cigarette filters have been found in the stomachs of fish, birds, whales and other creatures who mistake them for food." In addition to the damage caused by plastic material that doesn't easily break down, cigarette filters also contain a concentrated dose of the toxins from tobacco smoke.

Please use your car ashtray and empty it into an appropriate trash receptacle. Also, a pocket ashtray is useful for times when an ash can is not available -- a Web search will list many types. Let's help "redd up" the city by keeping butts off the street. For more information, see www.Litterbutt.com.

After a certain "break-in" period, employees and the public will come to appreciate and expect smoke-free air, and most ordinances become self-enforcing. However, prompt and consistent enforcement during the initial period is important to solidify the new paradigm of clean indoor air. Our new law specifies the Allegheny County Health Department as the primary enforcement authority, although municipal law enforcement agencies may also be designated for this task. To report a violation, call 412-687-ACHD (2243) or visit the health department Web site at www.achd.net. The ordinance includes a nonretaliation clause to protect employees who exercise their legal right to smoke-free air.

According to a former U.S. surgeon general, "Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance but a serious health hazard." Now that Allegheny County Council has overwhelmingly approved a smoke-free workplace ordinance, our citizens should use this opportunity to change old habits and resolve to move forward in the New Year.