Secondhand Smoke
Research
Smokers pollute air on streets: Study
A recent study reports that smoking on city streets can significantly affect air quality. The University of Otago conducted a five-week study that tested the air quality around 284 smokers in an Australian shopping center. The air quality approximately three meters from smokers contained 70% more fine particles than when no smokers were present, and the average pollution level around a smoker at a bus stop was sixteen times higher than when no smokers were around. Higher levels of fine air particles have been linked to diseases such as heart disease, and lung cancer. Researchers contend that enacting a smoking ban in public places can help to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Click here to read more about this study, and click here to read the study abstract published in Health & Place.
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Reports
Updated lists of municipalities and states with smoke-free laws
The Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF) announced the July 2012 quarterly update to its lists and maps of U.S. municipalities and states with smoke-free laws now in effect. ANRF has maintained a comprehensive database of state and local laws since the 1980s. Click here to access this information.
Atlanta curbs smoking, part of southern wave of bans (GA)
Atlanta is currently the largest city in the South to ban smoking in public parks. Fines for breaking this ban can include up to $1,000, six months in jail, and community service. Smoking bans have been enacted in over 200 cities across the South in bars, restaurants, or workplaces. Other southern states that have restricted smoking in restaurants and other workplaces are North Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, and Florida. Though smoking rates are still high in the Deep South, many cities and counties are making efforts to reduce the harmful health effects of secondhand smoke in public areas. Click here to read more about smoking bans across the South.
Media campaign launched statewide by The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (LA)
A new media campaign titled “______ Stinks!” seeks to motivate the residents of Louisiana to advocate for stricter laws and policies regarding secondhand smoke. The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) and Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) have launched this statewide campaign that encourages the public to join the fight in making Louisiana smoke-free in areas where they live, work and play, and not just in bars and gaming facilities. The campaign focuses on the health risks associated with secondhand smoke and promoting urgency in state citizens to address these issues. Click here to read more about this campaign.
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State Policy
No smoking for inmates, employees in Miss. prisons (MS)
All prisons in the state of Mississippi are now smoke-free. Inmates and employees are no longer able to smoke cigarettes in any building, grounds, or prisons operated by the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Nicotine replacement patches and other smoking cessation medications have been made available. This new policy will help reduce exposure to secondhand smoke in prisons. Click here to read more.
Smoke-free North Dakota petition looks for signatures (ND)
The language on a petition in support of a smoke-free air law that would prohibit smoking in all indoor workplaces and bars in North Dakota has been approved by the Secretary of State Al Jaeger. The amended language includes the use of electronic smoking devices, such as e-cigarettes. In order for this petition to get on the ballot for voter approval of this legislation, 13,452 signatures from state voters need to be collected by August 8. For more information about this petition, click here.
Assembly approves bill to prohibit smoking outside of elementary or secondary schools (NY)
Legislation prohibiting smoking within 100 feet of entrances, exits or outdoor areas of any public or private elementary or secondary school in New York State has been approved. This bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz in order to protect children in New York from secondhand smoke exposure, which can lead to tobacco-related diseases and addiction. Click here to read more. Click here to track bill A.10141-B which has been passed in the Senate.
Oklahoma's capitol, other state buildings become tobacco-free (OK)
Buildings located in the Oklahoma Capitol complex and state office building officially became tobacco-free as of this month, in advance of the required implementation date of August 6. The new policy bans the use of tobacco products at all state-owned and leased properties, buildings, and vehicles, in the attempt to protect the health of state employees and visitors to state-owned properties. This policy is expected to save the state an estimated $5.2 million annually due to reductions in healthcare costs for state employees, as smoking is currently the number one cause of death in Oklahoma. Click here to read more about this ban.
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