Eighty

percent would prefer to work in a smoke-free

building.

Conducted

in early May, the telephone poll of registered

voters shows that "an overwhelming majority

are aware of youth activities and behavior,"

according to a press release from the department.

"You

can see the kids smoking almost everywhere they

hang out," said Tracey Ellis-Williams,

health educator for District 4 Health Services

and a Fayetteville resident. "It's possible

they're trying to look older and be like an

adult, but they are flirting with addiction and

respiratory diseases," said Ellis-Williams.

More

than half of the voters polled are concerned

about many issues related to tobacco smoke, said

Ellis-Williams. In every category the poll

addressed, the response showed awareness in the

community of the impact of tobacco smoke, she

said.

Compiled

Schapiro and Associates, the data tracked

responses from every voting district in the

county. The survey addressed youth smoking,

secondhand smoke and smoking in public places.

The

poll also points to the desire of residents to

have a smoke-free environment, Ellis-Williams

said. Eighty-six percent of respondents are

bothered by secondhand smoke, she said, and 80

percent would prefer working in a smoke-free

atmosphere.

majority would favor a ban on smoking in public

buildings, restaurants and work places, said

Ellis-Williams.

"The

citizens are speaking," said Jill Holmes

Long, tobacco use prevention coordinator for

District 4 Health Services. "Secondary smoke

is a public health problem, and local businesses

and industries have an opportunity to voluntarily

ban tobacco use on premise for the improved

health of citizens and employees. A smoke-free

Fayette would enhance our quality of life."

Other

results from the survey:

53 percent are more

likely to dine in a smoke-free restaurant, while

39 percent say such a policy makes no difference

and 9 percent are less likely to dine in a

restaurant if it forbids smoking.

53 percent believe

that local governments should have the right to

enact ordinances that restrict smoking, even if

the ordinances differ from state laws.

54 percent favor

banning smoking in restaurants, 42 percent are

opposed to a ban and 5 percent have no opinion.

63 percent favor a

ban on smoking in the work place, while 35

percent oppose and 4 percent don't know.

73 percent believe

that secondhand smoke can give nonsmokers cancer

and other serious diseases; 17 percent do not

think it poses such health risks and 11 percent

don't know.

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