Secondhand Smoke
Research
Clean Indoor Air Acts reduce the burden of adverse cardiovascular outcomes
According to an article recently published in Public Health, Clean Indoor Air Acts (CIAAs) that create smoke-free spaces decrease adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Researchers examined Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 17 states from the year prior to each state’s implementation of a CIAA through 2009. Researchers used the data to determine smoking rates, heart attack rates, and coronary heart disease rates. The results indicate that between the baseline measure and 2009, many states experienced a decrease in prevalence of heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and smoking. The authors believe these data illustrate the importance of implementing CIAAs to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and negative health outcomes. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term impact of CIAAs. Click here to read more.
Lung disease linked to kids' secondhand smoke exposure
A new study shows that children who are exposed to secondhand smoke might be at an increased risk of developing chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder (COPD) in their adulthood. Researchers studied patients with COPD and controls between 2006 and 2009 to determine risk factors for COPD and COPD indicators. The researchers found that both men and women exposed to secondhand smoke in childhood were at a greater risk for developing COPD in adulthood compared to those adults who were not exposed to secondhand smoke in childhood. The authors conclude that reducing children’s exposure to secondhand smoke could contribute to preventing high rates of COPD. Click here to read more and click here to read the study abstract published in the journal Respirology.
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Reports
Two-thirds of Mississippi voters support law making all workplaces smoke-free (MS)
According to a recent poll, approximately 70% of Mississippi voters would support a statewide law making workplaces and public places smoke-free, including casinos, restaurants, and bars. This shows that voters understand the importance of a smoke-free environment and the negative health effects of secondhand smoke. This poll of 500 expected 2012 general election voters was commissioned by the Smokefree Mississippi campaign, a coalition of over 100 health groups. Click here to learn more.
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State Policy
Alabama Senate oks smoking ban (AL)
A bill that would make almost all indoor workplaces and public places in Alabama, including bars and restaurants, smoke-free has been approved by the Senate Health Committee. The smoke-free policy would not apply to cigar factories, retail tobacco shops, cigar bars, or private clubs. A person that violates the policy could be fined up to as much as $50 per violation. If passed, this policy would protect individuals from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure. The bill is currently in the full Senate. Click here to read more and track SB 198 by clicking here.
Illinois House keeps smoking ban intact (IL)
A bill that would have allowed casinos and bars to apply for smoking licenses has been shut down by the Illinois House. Opponents of the proposed bill argued that the statewide smoke-free policy works well and protects the health of state residents. Read more by clicking here.
Governor Daniels signs bill to ban smoking in most public places (IN)
A bill that makes most places smoke-free has been signed by the Indiana governor. The governor believes that this non-comprehensive bill is better than no bill, but public health advocates are disappointed that the law has exemptions. For example, the policy exempts bars and casinos, which means workers at these locations will not be protected from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Advocates promise to fight for a comprehensive indoor smoke-free air law to protect workers in future legislative sessions. Click here to read more.
Statewide smoking ban clears panel, but isn't likely to get House vote (KY)
A bill that would make all public places in Kentucky smoke-free has passed the House Health and Welfare Committee. This is notable as it is the first time that comprehensive smoke-free legislation has passed a committee vote, but sponsor Representative Susan Westrom does not expect to see a House floor vote on the bill this year. Westrom plans to bring the measure back in next year’s legislative session. She believes that next year there will be more support for the bill because more people are acknowledging the dangers of secondhand smoke and that local smoke-free policies have been working well in Kentucky. Click here to read more and click here to track HB 289.
Smoking while driving with kids under 8 now illegal in Maryland (MD)
The Maryland Senate has passed a bill that would make it illegal to smoke in a car if a child under the age of eight is present. Drivers would face a $50 fine if they violate the regulation, but points will not be added to violators’ licenses. The proposed regulation would protect children from secondhand smoke exposure. The bill will now go to the Maryland House. Click here to read more and click here to track SB 559.
Secondhand smoking ban introduced in Maryland (MD)
Maryland Delegate Ben Kramer has introduced a bill that would classify secondhand smoke as a nuisance in apartments, condominiums and townhomes. Classifying secondhand smoke as a nuisance would make it easier for tenants to bring their neighbors to court for smoking indoors and would ensure that homeowners associations and landlords take action when there are smoking complaints. If this policy were enacted, it would protect individuals from secondhand smoke exposure, but some worry that it would effectively make smoking illegal in these housing units. Click here to read more and click here to track HB 1224, which is currently in the House.
House proposal would take tobacco out of prisons (MO)
Missouri Representative Chris Molendorp has introduced a bill that would make all correctional facilities in the state tobacco-free. Currently, the law states that inmates may smoke in designated areas outside. Molendorp believes a tobacco-free policy would decrease medical costs that the state incurs from smoking related illnesses, although the exact cost to the state from tobacco-related illnesses is unknown. If the smoke-free policy were to become law, it would not go into effect until July 1, 2013 in order to allow time to bring smoking cessation programs into the correctional facilities. Read more here, and click here to track the progress of HB 1136.
Utah lawmakers ok ban on hookahs, e-cigarettes (UT)
The Utah Senate has passed a bill that will ban the use of hookahs and e-cigarettes inside public places, with an exemption for hookah bars and e-cigarettes that lasts for the next five years. This bill will protect individuals from the negative health effects of these tobacco devices as well as reduce nonsmokers’ exposure to these devices. Click here to read more. The bill, HB 245, was signed by Governor Gary Herbert on March 19th, according to the Utah State Legislature website.
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International
Ban on public smoking linked to fewer preterm deliveries (Scotland)
New research has revealed an association between Scotland’s 2006 smoke-free policies and a reduction in preterm deliveries and underweight babies. Researchers analyzed data from a national administrative database to determine whether the smoke-free policy might have had an effect on the prevalence of preterm deliveries and underweight babies between 1996 and 2009. The results show that preterm deliveries decreased by more than 10% after the smoke-free law was enacted, and that there was a 13% decrease in the number of underweight babies. The authors believe the study illustrates the positive health benefits that can occur from implementing smoke-free legislation. Click here to read more, and click here to read the study abstract published in PLoS Medicine.
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