Secondhand Smoke
Research
Smoke-free workplace leads to fewer heart attacks
A recent study reported that the implementation of smoke-free workplace laws was related to a reduction in heart attacks. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic evaluated the population impact of smoke-free laws by measuring the incidence of heart attacks in a Minnesota county during an eighteen month period before and after the implementation of two smoke-free laws. A partial smoke-free law was implemented in the county in 2002, and in 2007, a more comprehensive law mandated that all workplaces were to be smoke-free. When researchers compared data from before the 2002 law with data collected after the 2007 law, heart attack incidence declined by 33%, and sudden deaths as a result of a heart attack decreased by 17%. A reduction in the exposure to secondhand smoke appears to reduce the rate of heart attacks, and is associated with the implementation of smoke-free laws. Click here to read more about this study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Few U.S. smokers say secondhand smoke is very harmful
According to a recent Gallup Poll, fewer smokers than nonsmokers believe that secondhand smoke is harmful to adults. Gallup’s annual Consumption Habits poll, taken in July 2012, showed that less than three out of 10 (28%) smokers in the U.S. reported that secondhand smoke is “very harmful” to adults, whereas 63% of nonsmokers answered that it is “very harmful.” Smokers mainly believed that secondhand smoke is “somewhat harmful.” Additionally, 80% of Americans believe that smoking is harmful to smokers. The results of this year’s poll are consistent with previous years’ results in that smokers have always been less likely than nonsmokers to believe that smoking is harmful. Click here to read more.
Smoking bans in bars help drinkers drink less too, Yale study shows
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health finds that smoking bans in bars and restaurants reduce alcohol abuse. Researchers at the Yale School of Medicine assessed whether separating the behaviors of smoking and drinking was associated with changes in drinking behavior. Data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions were used to compare the remission rates of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in states that have smoking bans in bars and restaurants to those in states that have not enacted smoke-free air laws. They found that in states that had smoking bans, the rate of AUD remission was 61% compared to states without bans, where AUD remission was 50%. This study provides evidence that smoke-free air laws not only contribute to reduced rates of tobacco-related diseases, but also to reductions in the prevalence of alcohol abuse. Click here to read more about this study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Click here to read the study abstract.
top
Reports
Smoke-free multi-unit housing global directory
Live Smoke Free, a program of the Association for Nonsmokers—Minnesota, has compiled a Global Directory of Smoke-Free Housing programs. The purpose of this directory is to assist those working on smoke-free multi-housing in networking and learning about each other’s services. Click here to download a copy.
Study: Michigan's smoke-free law business neutral (MI)
A study conducted by Michigan’s Department of Community Health finds that there is no evidence that the state’s smoking ban in bars and restaurants has had a negative impact on businesses. The law that prohibited smoking in bars and restaurants throughout the state became effective in May 2010. Some fluctuations were seen, but no significant or lasting negative effects were found. Click here to read more. Click here to read the full report.
Minnesota marks five years smoke-free (MN)
It has been five years since Minnesota banned smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces. Health advocates in the state have claimed the ban a success after five years due to the positive response it has received from state residents. According to a study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, there has been a decrease in the number of smokers as well as secondhand smoke exposures since the law took effect in October 2007. While there are still are 625,000 smokers in the state, this law has improved the health of residents and gained approval from the majority of Minnesotans. Click here to read more.
New smoke-free multi-unit housing website (NY)
The American Lung Association of the Northeast has released a webpage dedicated to facts about smoke-free housing. The examples and statistics on this website are tailored toward New York City residents, but the messaging may serve as an example to other states. The webpage discusses the health effects of secondhand smoke, the risk of secondhand smoke exposure in multi-unit housing, and the benefits of smoke-free policies in multi-unit housing. Click here to access this webpage.
top
State Policy
Boston set to become largest city in US to ban smoking in a public housing (MA)
The city of Boston, Massachusetts has officially banned smoking inside all residential buildings owned by the Boston Housing Authority. This new policy took effect on September 30. Mayor Thomas M. Menino stated that this law was implemented in order to provide a safe, healthy environment for the city’s public housing residents. The law was implemented by adding a clause to residents’ leases stating that they and their guests will not smoke inside of their apartments or anywhere in the building. Violators can be fined up to $250. The Boston Housing Authority is the largest public housing authority in New England, and this law makes Boston the largest city in the U.S. to enact a law of this kind. Click here to read more, or click here for a press release from the Boston Public Housing Authority.
top
Back to Table of Contents
|
