Res. No. 748 Title Resolution calling upon the appropriate Committee of the Council of the City of New York to hold a hearing on the efficiency of air filtration technologies with respect to Local Law 47 of 2002 (The Smoke Free Air Act). Body By Council Members Fidler, Comrie, Fedler, Nelson, Sanders and Stewart Whereas, The intent of the Smoke Free Air Act (SFAA), passed by the Council and signed into law by the Mayor on December 30, 2002, is to afford a safe, smoke-free environment for all workers in New York City; and Whereas, Some believe that air filtration technologies were not fully researched as an alternative to the prohibition of smoking in bars, restaurants and other workplaces prior to the passage of Local Law 47 of 2002; and Whereas, Experts seem to disagree as to whether air filtration systems are sufficiently effective to provide a safe workplace; and Whereas, Air filtration systems are designed to remove low level contaminants and odors, such as tobacco smoke, and, in particular, the High Efficiency Gas Absorption (HEGA) media filter is a patent-pending air filtration system which affirms to be 95% effective for specified contaminants, including tobacco smoke; and Whereas, Within the SFAA, although bars are allowed an enclosed, separately ventilated room in which patrons are allowed to smoke, the same exceptions are not made with respect to restaurants; and Whereas, If it is found that air filtration systems are effective in providing a safe work environment, then an exception should be made to the SFAA allowing air filtration systems in all establishments, rather than just in separate smoking rooms in workplaces; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the appropriate Committee of the Council of the City of New York hold a hearing on the efficiency of air filtration technologies with respect to Local Law 47 of 2002 (The Smoke Free Air Act). CAW LS# 1668 |1013|