Kansas residents wanting a smoke-free state are encouraged to join a rally at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday on the steps of the Capitol in Topeka.

The American Cancer Society is sponsoring the rally to encourage legislators to approve the Clean Indoor Air Act.

According to the American Cancer Society, 80 percent of Kansans do not smoke and should have the right to go out in public without being subjected to the harms of secondhand smoke.

“Approximately 400 people die annually in Kansas due to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. On average, a restaurant or bar worker inhales the equivalent of 17 cigarettes during an eight-hour shift. That is almost a pack a day habit,” said Cherri Dorsett, American Cancer Society volunteer, in a news release.

Residents who would like to let their legislator know that they support the Clean Indoor Air Act, are encouraged to visit the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Web site at acscan.org/action/ks.