Second Hand Smoke
Research
SHS carries large financial costs for smokers and
families
A Duke University health policy researcher estimates the real
cost of a pack of cigarettes to be $40 – 82% of which
is borne by the smoker in the form of shortened lifespan,
lower wages and increased health care costs, 14% of which
is borne by smokers’ families, and 4% of which is borne
by society. View the
press
release for more information.
Smoke-free policies related to SHS exposure
A study conducted by the CDC and published in the August
2006 issue of Tobacco Control demonstrates a strong
inverse association between smoke-free law coverage and
SHS exposure. This is the first study to look at the relationship
between smoke-free laws and SHS exposure in a national population
using a direct measure of SHS exposure, serum cotinine.
View the abstract
for more information.
Smokers adjust to and accept smoke-free laws
An article in the June 2006 issue of Tobacco Control
shows that among current cigarette smokers, support for
smoking bans was associated with living in a place with
such a law. Smokers gradually adjust to accept and comply
with smoke-free laws. View the abstract
for additional information.
Babies easily absorb smoke in homes
A researcher at San Diego State University has found that
up to 90 percent of the nicotine in smoke adheres to nearby
surfaces and can be swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through
the skin. This means that babies whose parents smoke can absorb
nicotine and other chemicals from furniture or other objects
in the home, or even from just hugging their parents. Smoking
outside of the home does not completely protect infants, as
rates of exposure to ETS were still 5-7 times higher in the
homes of parents who smoked outdoors as compared to the homes
of non-smokers. The research findings were published in
Tobacco
Control in 2004. Click
here
to learn more and
here
to view the study abstract.
Pre- and postnatal exposure to smoke affects children’s
respiratory health
Previously, uncertainties remain about the relative importance
of smoking at different periods in the child’s life
existed. A group of researchers has confirmed the adverse
effects of both pre- and postnatal parental smoking on children’s
respiratory health. Findings demonstrate strong evidence
linking parental smoking to wheeze, asthma, bronchitis and
nocturnal cough . View the abstract
for more information.
UC Davis researchers demonstrate how SHS injures
babies’ lungs
Researchers from the University of California – Davis
have described in unprecedented biochemical and anatomical
detail how cigarette smoke damages the lungs of unborn and
newborn children. The principal investigator states that
the results from this study are further proof that secondhand
smoke's effects on children are not minor, temporary or
reversible. View the press
release for more information.
Parents who smoke may raise child’s leukemia risk
Research conducted by the University of California –
Berkeley and published in the American Journal of Epidemiology
indicates that the risk of childhood leukemia increases
when fathers smoke, even if the smoking occurs prior to
conception. Previously, the association between smoking
and leukemia in children had been unclear. Click here
to learn more.
Children who live with smokers have more respiratory
complications during surgery
Physicians from two Boston-area hospitals found that children
who resided with a smoker faced an increased risk of developing
respiratory complications during outpatient surgical procedures.
Click here
to learn more.
Contact with smokers increases risk of meningococcal
disease in teens
Researchers have found that contact with smokers is related
to an increased risk of developing meningococcal disease
among teenagers. This study differentiated between contact
with smokers and exposure to smoke. Click here
for more information.
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Air Quality Studies
Georgia
UGA researchers measure SHS in outdoor areas
Researchers from the University of Georgia Air Quality Lab
are collecting air samples to determine how much tobacco
smoke permeates outdoor environments where smokers congregate.
Click here
for more information.
Indiana
Indiana study raises health concerns about SHS in non-smoking
sections
A study conducted in Indiana found that concentrations of
nicotine in non-smoking areas of restaurants were higher
than what you would find in the home of a smoker. Click
here
to learn more.
Minnesota
Mankato, MN ordinance greatly improves indoor air quality
Results of air quality monitoring tests indicate that Mankato's
comprehensive smoke-free
ordinance is working to improve health by dramatically reducing
secondhand smoke in public places. Air quality monitoring
conducted before and after the smoke-free ordinance went
into effect on July 1, 2006 shows an 86 percent decrease
in the
amount of dangerous indoor air pollutants found in bars
and restaurants. View the press
release to learn more.
New York
New Yorkers’ exposure to SHS has decreased by 50%
in three years
The New York State Department of Health has released a report,
The
Health and Economic Impact of New York's Clean Indoor Air
Act, that shows New Yorkers' exposure to second-hand
smoke has declined by 50 percent since the law took effect
in July 2003. New York’s Clean Indoor Air Act prohibits
smoking in almost all public places, including bars, restaurants,
bowling alleys, taverns, and bingo halls. View the press
release for more information.
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National
NCI enacts smoke-free meeting policy
The National Cancer Institute has instituted a smoke-free
meeting policy, hoping that tourism dollars will serve as
an incentive for cities to become smoke-free. Beginning
January 1st, NCI meetings of over 20 people can take place
only in localities with comprehensive smoke-free ordinances
that include restaurants. At least 11 groups have made such
pledges, including the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health,
but this is the first time an entire federal agency has
enacted such a policy. View NCI’s press
release for more information.
WHO calls for smoking ordinances worldwide based
on CalEPA’s report linking SHS to breast cancer
The World Health Organization has recommended smoke-free
ordinances for workplaces and public areas worldwide based
on the findings of the California Environmental Protection
Agency that link exposure to secondhand smoke to breast
cancer in premenopausal women. Click here
to learn more.
Surgeon General’s report has far-reaching implications
for passage of smoke-free ordinances across the nation
The release of the Surgeon General’s report on secondhand
smoke has provided cities and states across the U.S. with
the evidence needed to prohibit smoking in public places.
For example, in Alabama the Jefferson County Board of Health
has passed a rule that allows the health department to deduct
4 points from a restaurant’s rating if the establishment
allows smoking anywhere in the restaurant because they are
exposing workers and patrons to a toxic substance - secondhand
smoke. The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids assisted states
by providing information to use with media outlets to ensure
that the findings received widespread attention.
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States
California
Dublin City Declares Secondhand Smoke a Nuisance
The Dublin City Council gave preliminary approval last week
to an ordinance declaring secondhand tobacco smoke a public
nuisance, a move designed to make it easier for residents
to take to court neighbors who puff with impunity. Click
here
for additional information.
Kentucky
Judge Reinstates Frankfurt Smoking Ban
A judge has lifted a restraining order that barred Kentucky's
capital city from enforcing its new ban on smoking in all
public buildings. Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate
denied a temporary injunction sought by some local business
owners who felt the ban would hurt business by driving out
regulars who smoked. Frankfort's strict ordinance bans smoking
in all public buildings, including bars and restaurants.
Exceptions include homes, private clubs and halls rented
to private organizations, retail tobacco stores and tobacco
warehouses. Click here
to learn more.
Extremely Strict Smoking Ban Wins Approval 5-0
in Ashland
Ashland's board of commissioners unanimously approved a
smoking ban that will go into effect Oct. 1 in the northeastern
Kentucky city. The new law is one of the strongest in Kentucky
because it covers all public places and workplaces with
very few exceptions. Click here
to learn more.
Minnesota
Minnesota gubernatorial candidate backs smoke-free air and
higher tobacco taxes
Independence Party gubernatorial candidate Peter Hutchinson
and his physician running mate have called for mandatory
medical insurance and a statewide indoor workplace smoking
ordinance as part of a broad health care reform plan they
said could save Minnesotans $7 billion a year. In addition,
they have recommended increasing tobacco taxes to reflect
more closely health cost impacts. Click here
to learn more.
Environmental toxins’ effects on children
cost MN $1 billion per year
A report released by the Minnesota Center for Environmental
Advocacy indicates that childhood diseases caused by environmental
pollution, including tobacco smoke, cost the state almost
$1.6 billion per year. Click here
for more information.
New ordinance in St. Paul receives wide support
A recent poll indicates that 72% of St. Paul residents support
the city’s new smoke-free legislation. Click here
to learn more.
New Mexico
Farmington goes smoke free Jan. 1
Beginning in 2007, it will be illegal to smoke in all restaurants
and bars, bingo facilities, places of employment, retail
stores and shopping malls, public and private educational
facilities and licensed child and adult day cares. Smoking
also will be banned from public convention facilities such
as the Farmington Civic Center and lobbies, hallways and
other common areas in apartment buildings, condos or other
multi-unit residential facilities. Exemptions from the ordinance
were made for private, non-profit clubs with no fewer than
50 members who pay at least $5 dues per year. Private residences,
smoking-permitted hotel and motel rooms, designated outdoor
smoking areas and private rooms in nursing homes and long-term
care facilities also are exempt. Click here
to learn more.
Texas
Restaurant Owners Now Want Smoke-free Bars
in Houston
A push to extend Houston's smoking ban to bars and other
workplaces gained momentum when the Greater Houston Restaurant
Association announced its support for a citywide ban. The
case for extending the ban was bolstered in July by a report
by the U.S. Surgeon General, who called for completely smoke-free
workplaces. Click here
for additional information.
Lockheed Martin banning smoking inside and outside
for employees in Fort Worth
Smokers won't be able to light up at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
in Fort Worth, starting Jan. 1.The new ban, which even extends
to the parking lot, covers all tobacco products. It's part
of an effort to rein in rising health-care expenses, which
now cost the company about $800 million a year. Click here
to learn more.
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Government/Prison Policies
Arkansas
Hot Springs, AR to prohibit tobacco use in city-owned facilities
Now that the state of Arkansas has passed a smoking ordinance,
Hot Springs has instituted an even tougher bill that will
prohibit the use of all tobacco products in city-owned buildings
or facilities, including city vehicles. Click here
to learn more.
Kentucky
Kentucky governor prohibits smoking in state buildings
Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher has passed an ordinance
prohibiting smoking in state buildings. The measure took
effect on August 1st. State employees who choose to quit
can receive assistance through their state health insurance
plan. Click here to view a press
release from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Maine
Maine banning smoking at state mental hospital
A court has reversed an earlier decision and has ruled to
prohibit smoking at the Riverview Psychiatric Center, a
state mental hospital, because it is a health hazard and
compromises the daily operation of the facility. Click here
for more information.
Mississippi
Mississippi bans smoking in government buildings
The Mississippi Clean Indoor Air Act, which went into effect
July 1st, has prohibited smoking in all government buildings
in the state. Click here
to learn more.
North Carolina
NC lawmakers vote to ban smoking in all legislative buildings
Lawmakers in North Carolina have approved a bill to prohibit
smoking in all General Assembly buildings. Click here
to learn more.
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Outdoor Policies
California
Santa Monica expands outdoor smoking policy
The Santa Monica City Council has voted 5-1 in favor of
a recommendation from the City Attorney to greatly expand
its outdoor tobacco policy. The City Attorney will now draft
a new ordinance that will make the following areas smoke-free:
outdoor dining patios, service areas (theater & ATM
lines), areas within 20 feet of entrances and windows to
public buildings, the famous Third Street Promenade and
the Farmers Markets.
For a summary of the meeting, click here.
San Diego bans smoking at beaches, parks, and possibly
stadium
San Diego has banned smoking at its beaches and parks due
to health concerns regarding secondhand smoke. San Diego
joins at least 35 other cities in California that have prohibited
smoking on its beaches. Click here
for more information.
The San Diego City Council also recently passed an ordinance
regulating smoking at Qualcomm Stadium, which must be voted
on again before it is enacted. Click here
to learn more about this ordinance.
Pacifica City Council supports smoking ban on beaches
The Pacifica City Council has approved of prohibiting smoking
on city beaches. The group voted to direct city staff to
draft an ordinance for consideration. Click here
to learn more.
Youth group working to ban smoking at Pismo Beach
A group of teens called Life Bound Leadership has joined
forces with a local coalition to pass an ordinance prohibiting
smoking at Pismo Beach. Click here
to learn more.
Florida
Cocoa Beach, FL proposal to ban smoking on November
ballot
Voters in Cocoa Beach, FL will vote in November on a proposed
measure to prohibit smoking on the beach. The measure has
received extensive support from Mayor Skip Beeler. Click
here
to learn more.
Illinois
Chicago considering prohibiting smoking on city
beaches
An environmental group has approached the Chicago City Council
to request that smoking be prohibited on city beaches. Mayor
Daley is not supportive, stating that such an ordinance
would qualify as government intrusion and that enforcement
would be too difficult. Click here
for additional information.
New Jersey
NJ town enacts ordinance prohibiting smoking in
borough-owned recreational areas
Hawthorne, NJ has become the fourth Passaic County town
to enact an ordinance prohibiting smoking in borough-owned
recreational facilities. Click here
to learn more.
New York
Effort to make NY county fairs tobacco-free
A statewide effort is underway to make New York’s
county fairs tobacco-free, including sponsorships. Click
here
to learn more.
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College/School Policies
California
Community colleges in San Mateo, CA working toward
smoking policies
Students at community colleges in two San Mateo towns are
working to prohibit tobacco use in public places on campus.
Click here
for more information.
Florida
University of Florida may become smoke-free
A new policy at the University of Florida prohibits smoking
inside any buildings. Click here
to learn more.
Indiana
IUPUI first tobacco-free campus in Indiana
Indiana University/Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI)
is now the first tobacco free campus in Indiana and one
of just 25 tobacco free campuses in the United States. The
tobacco free status includes university vehicles and prohibits
the sale or use of any tobacco products including chewing
tobacco. Click here
for more information.
Iowa
University of Iowa passes new smoking policy
The University of Iowa has expanded its smoking policy to
prohibit smoking within 25 feet of entryways. Click here
to learn more.
Missouri
Missouri community college prohibits tobacco use
The board of trustees at St. Charles Community College has
voted unanimously to ban tobacco on campus. Click here
for more information.
New York
SUNY to make all dorms smoke-free
All State University of New York dormitories will be smoke-free
starting next Fall. Currently, smoking is permitted in 13
percent of SUNY's dorm rooms. Click here
for additional information.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma school district extends tobacco ban to visitors
Oklahoma’s Glenpool school district has extended its
tobacco policy to include visitors. Click here
to learn more.
South Carolina
University of South Carolina institutes smoking policy
The University of South Carolina has banned smoking in all
buildings and within 25 feet of entrywaysl. Click here
for more information.
Virginia
UVA passes smoking policy
The University of Virginia has passed a new policy prohibiting
smoking in private offices as well as any buildings or cars
owned or leased by the University. Click here
for more information.
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Smoke-free Dining
Arkansas
Coalition organized “Dine Out in Arkansas” event
on ordinance implementation date
The Coalition for a Tobacco Free Arkansas encouraged residents
to dine out on the day the state smoking ordinance went
into effect. The group hoped that the “Dine Out in
Arkansas” event might allay some of restaurant owners’
fears that the policy would result in lost business. Click
here
to learn more.
Colorado
Some businesses in Colorado go smoke-free voluntarily
Some restaurants in Colorado, such as the Copper
Kitchen, have been smoke-free for years before the new
smoke-free air act took effect this summer. And although
casinos are exempt from the legislation, some casinos, such
as Ameristar,
have chosen to prohibit smoking in their restaurants in
any case.
Indiana
Some Indiana restaurants go smoke-free instead of installing
expensive ventilation systems
Legislation that will go into effect in Indiana next July
requires restaurants that permit smoking to have a separate
smoking room and ventilation system. Some restaurants plan
to go completely smoke-free, however, to avoid the costs
associated with meeting these requirements. Some fear that
eventually the government will pass a more restrictive ordinance.
Click here
to learn more.
Kansas
Many new Wichita restaurants don’t allow smoking
Many restaurants in Wichita, KS have voluntarily banned
smoking. The Sedgwick County Health Department estimates
that one-third of Wichita's restaurants don't allow smoking.
Click here
for more information.
Maryland
Restaurant sales still increasing three years after Maryland
smoking ordinance
The Office of the State Comptroller has released a report
indicating that restaurant sales have increased by 19 percent
in the three years since the Montgomery County Council passed
legislation banning smoking in establishments. Click here
to learn more. The Restaurant Association of Maryland disputes
the report’s findings, stating that the methodology
was flawed because it did not include businesses that went
out of business completely and did include establishments
such as carry-out stores that would have already been smoke-free.
The report was based on sales tax receipts for all restaurants
in Montgomery County. Click here
to learn more about their claims.
Ohio
Bob Evans testing smoke-free restaurants in Cincinnati
Beginning July 31st, all 29 Cincinnati-area Bob Evans Restaurants
have gone smoke-free. Cincinnati is being considered a test
market for the company's new health-conscious approach.
The decision to change operations to non-smoking is the
result of the company's evaluation of customer comments,
national and local restaurant industry trends and the recent
U.S. Surgeon General's report. Bob Evans Farms Inc. owns
and operates more than 589 full-service, family restaurants
in 19 states. Click here
to learn more.
Virginia
Many Virginia restaurants voluntarily ban smoking
Increasing numbers of restaurants in Virginia are voluntarily
prohibiting smoking in order to make their establishments
more family-friendly. Click here
to learn more.
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Smoke-free Dwellings
Maine
Elderly housing units in Maine go smoke-free
Elderly housing units owned by the Brewer Housing Authority
in Maine are going smoke-free. Smokers currently residing
in the units will be allowed to smoke for one additional
year, and then will have to smoke outside. The change was
prompted for both health and financial reasons. Click here
for more information.
New York
NY co-op and condo residents try to cope with neighbors’
smoke
At least two co-op boards in New York City reject potential
residents who smoke. The boards maintain that admitting
smokers to the porous, tenement-style buildings would discriminate
against asthmatic residents. Managing agents and the lawyers
who advise landlords, co-op and condominium boards report
an increase in complaints about secondhand smoke. In February,
New York City’s 311 phone line began to track calls
about secondhand smoke drifting among neighbors; the mayor’s
office reports that the calls average 96 a month. Click
here
and here
for more information.
Virginia
Virginia apartment communities go smoke-free
First Centrum Communities, which owns 49 apartment communities
in Virginia, has decided to make all residents who sign
leases after September 1st agree to not smoke in the apartments.
The policy applies to guests as well. First Centrum believes
that is the first large apartment manager to adopt such
a ban. Click here
to learn more.
International
Quebec landlords banning smoking
Quebec's new smoking ordinance has prompted many landlords
to insert no-smoking clauses into their leases. Click here
for more information.
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Smoke-free Hotels
Marriott going smoke-free in U.S. and Canada
Hotel chain Marriott International Inc. has announced that
it is eliminating smoking in all rooms of its 2,300-plus
hotels in the U.S. and Canada. Westin Hotels announced a
similar policy earlier this year. More than 90 percent of
Marriott's hotel rooms in the U.S. and Canada are already
smokefree, but beginning in September, smoking will also
be prohibitied in public spaces, such as restaurants, bars,
and meeting rooms. The CEO states that "[c]reating
a smoke-free environment demonstrates a new level of service
and care for our guests and associates." The policy
is expected to have a significant impact on the hotel industry
due to the number of hotels affected and the diversity of
price points reached. Click here
for more information and here
to view a press release from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free
Kids.
Westin Hotels celebrate six-month anniversary of
smoke-free policy
Westin Hotels & Resorts is marking the six-month milestone
of its smoke-free conversion in North America with Breathing
Lights(SM) installations in its lobbies nationwide. The
artistically designed projections count the number of fresh
breaths taken by each Westin guest each day. The design
can be viewed by guests and visitors to Westin lobbies nationwide,
or by visiting www.westin.com/breathe.
Westin became the first major hotel chain to convert all
of its smoking rooms in North America to smoke-free late
last year, investing more than $3 million in its smoke free
initiative. The move comes as part of Westin's commitment
to guests' personal well-being and the brand's positioning
around Renewal. Since then, Westin hotels in Australia,
Fiji and Scotland have also become smoke-free. Click here
to learn more.
Trend of hotels prohibiting smoking as part of marketing
strategy
Hotels across the nation are beginning to go smoke-free
as they witness increasing demand from consumers. The J.D.
Power and Associates 2006 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction
Index Study(SM) found that 79 percent of hotel guest prefer
a smoke-free environment that exceeds the boundaries of
their room. Hotels go smoke-free for both health and financial
reasons. Cleaning rooms to get rid of the smell of smoke
can cost up to $200 per room, and hotels are no longer afraid
that fining violators will drive away business. Click here
to learn more about the trend, and here
to read about the J.D. Power and Associates survey.
District of Columbia
D.C. hotels voluntarily phasing out smoking
D.C.’s new smoke-free ordinance exempts hotel rooms,
but many of the city’s hotels are going smoke-free
voluntarily. The Hotel Association of Washington, D.C. estimates
that as many as half of the group’s 91 member hotels
will eventually implement such policies. Click here
for more information.
Vermont
South Burlington, VT hotel to prohibit smoking
The Sheraton Burlington Hotel and Conference Center in Vermont
is now prohibiting smoking in all of its rooms. Click here
to learn more.
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Smoke-free Vehicles
One third of drivers support banning smoking while driving
According to a national survey by Response Insurance, a
national car insurer, 34% of 1,000 drivers surveyed support
banning smoking while driving because it serves as a distraction.
Click here
to learn more about the survey.
California
California seeks to ban smoking in cars with children
A California Senate committee has approved legislation that
will allow police to stop drivers who smoke when a child
young enough to be in a safety seat (under 6 years old)
is a passenger. The bill would apply even if the car were
on private property and even if the windows were down. If
passed, violators would receive a warning on the first offense,
and a $100 fine for the second. Arkansas and Louisiana have
already passed similar legislation. Click here
to learn more.
Nebraska
Nebraska will not prosecute parents who expose children
to SHS in cars
An attorney in Lincoln County, Nebraska has stated that
exposing children to second-hand smoke does not constitute
criminal behavior according to state law. The police chief
was hoping to be able to charge individuals who smoke in
cars where minors are present with child abuse. Click here
for more information.
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