After completing a study on the dangers of first- and secondhand smoke, the Erie County Legislature is pushing to ban it in certain public places. 

"It falls in the realm of protecting people who cannot protect themselves," said 11th district Erie County Legislator John Mills. 

The Public Health Protection Act proposes banning smoking in cars where a child is present and at bus shelters. The bill also calls for the removal of tobacco products from Erie County pharmacies. 

"A health care facility should be focused on health and not selling the leading cause of cancer and heart disease," said sponsor and 3rd District Legislator Peter Savage.

The legislature held a public hearing on Thursday where dozens of health officials supported the bill. 

Dr. Mark Travers of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center said tobacco is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States — causing 400,000 deaths per year. 

"Even a single cigarette in a car can lead to high levels of particle air pollution in a car," he said.

Travers also said stopping the sales of tobacco products at pharmacies could discourage the unhealthy habit, including in younger people. 

"Unfortunately, we've seen a dramatic increase in vaping," said Travers. “Part of the attraction is that it is viewed as a safer cigarette. We really don't know what the health effects are of vaping, but we know that it’s not safe. It’s not a benign product. There are risks associated with it." 

The Erie County Legislature plans to vote on the Public Health Protection Act within the coming weeks.