Newsroom
All News Releases By Date
PR STATEMENT BY ADMIN. BROWNER ON SECOND HAND TOBACCO SMOKE
Release Date: 09/15/98
Contact Information:
FOR RELEASE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1998
The Clinton Administration today announced it is filing an appeal of a North Carolina district court's decision from last July that set aside parts of EPA's risk assessment regarding second-hand tobacco smoke.
EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner issued the following statement:
"It is a widely accepted scientific fact that second-hand tobacco smoke poses significant risks to public health. The court's decision was based on procedural concerns regarding technical aspects of EPA's study. In the appeal, EPA will defend its scientific review process, which is widely recognized as thorough, factual and fair. The 1993 risk study was reviewed and approved by 18 independent, leading scientists in the field.
"It is important to note that Americans concerned about their health and the health of their children should continue to avoid exposure to second-hand smoke. The court's decision last July did not challenge EPA's findings that the adverse health effects are real and significant for children. Since EPA's 1993 risk study, health study after health study confirms the serious risks posed by second-hand smoke. We look forward to the appellate court's review of this matter and to a decision that is in the best interest of protecting public health and the environment."
R-120 ###
Search this collection of releases | or search all news releases
View selected historical press releases from 1970 to 1998 in the EPA History website.
