In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency released a report labeling secondhand smoke as a dangerous, cancer-causing substance. Employers in Maine should be aware that workers compensation claims may increase, based on the clear danger to employees who are routinely exposed to secondhand smoke at work. Americans with Disabilities Act People with breathing disorders or severe allergies to cigarette smoke may be considered disabled under this law. Likewise, it is a violation if that person cannot fully use a business open to the public because of secondhand smoke. Back To Contents Back To Advocacy Homepage Maine Tobacco Facts Tobacco use is the single greatest preventable cause of death and disease in Maine, accounting for one out of every six deaths, or over 2,300 deaths annually.
Maine is one of the top ten in the nation for smoking-related deaths.
Smoking costs our state a quarter of a billion dollars annually.