European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - March 14, 1987, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Smokers buildings the Tough new rules Havo provoked plenty o opposition. The tobacco Institute the Industry s Trade group insists thai Laws that prohibit workers from smoking in offices or factories promote discrimination. Is it Lair the Institute asks thai a person with a private of ice is allowed to smoke but the typing Pool and others in shared work spaces Are not but it is not just the tobacco Industry that is objecting to Tho restrictions. Some companies see legislation As unnecessary because they do not perceive a problem in their Ollices. For example the general foods corp. Which has ils Headquarters in Ryo Brook n.y., May to forced to Issue a smoking policy under the state s now restrictions. Bui still sessions manager of corporate a lairs. Said there really was no need for one. Smoking has never been seen As a problem because of the spaciousness and Venti Faison of our offices he said. Still. Iho surgeon general s december report has sharpened corporate fears Abou health rotated suits from nonsmokers. Adina Goldberg a partner in the Manhattan Law firm of Spangier Carlson Gubar Brodsky & Frisch my says this concern is justified. In terms of limiting liability Selling a corporate policy is probably Iho Best Way logo  he advised. Goldberg cited a recent ruling by the Washington slate court of appeals Ormil Ling a woman to sue her employer Lor negligence when she developed pulmonary disease after being exposed to what she claimed was environmental smoke from her co workers cigarettes. Tho us corp. Introduced us absolute ban on smoking after the company discovered that Mineral fibres used in nine of its acoustical products plants could have Adverse he ally a flecks especially on smokers. Opponents say Tho a lion raises troubling questions about Enlo coment and smokers rights outside the workplace us will give pulmonary function tests. Electrocardiograms and a rays to Alt employees periodically but the company says Tho results will not to used to single out cheaters. To won t realty to Able la loll whether someone is smoking outside the workplace or not said Paul Cotilli a company spokesman. We in ill Havo to rely on the employees Honor and their common sense " Athena Mueller general counsel Lor action on smoking and health Ash in Washington d c. Foresees no Adverse consequences to companies that adopt slim measures we have lists of Tho companies thai have instituted partial or Lull bans on smoking and to our knowledge not one has Ever been challenged she said. Another Factor prompting action on Hie pan of corporations 15 evidence that smokers Cost Money. Mueller said in particular she died a Seattle University study lop Orling that individual smokers Cost their employers up to $4,000 a year More than non smokers in tool Lime absenteeism medical expenses insurance and property damage. How a company communicates a smoking policy seems to have a great bearing on How Well it is accepted by employees. Joe Conlin. A senior editor with success/ur1 meetings. Finisi heard about the Magazine s now smoking policy when a fellow Slaff member plunked a smoke absorbing ashtray on his desk. To was not pleased. Because of Iho Way i found Mil my lir ii  i  throw the ashtray in a drawer and defy inn. Conlin said by then my mature Side won Mil nil i decided to use it i think thai most smokers a ill Compromise when approached reasonably Mueller of Ash agrees we be seen to Irile shit of support for smoking policies from smokers we Haver found thai 80 percent of All smokers want loquat i hey appreciate it when companies do things to help them Amy Cori Tesler 13, of Adams mass., invented an anti smokers hat Complete with a fan to blow smoke away and flashing lights and a Buzzer to warn smokers of her presence. The cwt attn was 80rp Mast rep off the no-swmn6 sign and by Are  smoke w1he bowed Are,., 14. 19b7 the stars and stripes Page 15