Secondhand Smoke
Research
The prevalence of selected potentially hazardous workplace exposures in the US: Findings from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey
A recent study identified the industries and occupations with the highest prevalence of hazardous exposures. Researchers analyzed the results of the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), and report that in cases of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure among nonsmokers, the occupations or industries most exposed are mining and construction. Future examinations and interventions need to be conducted in mining and construction workplaces in order to gain more insight into hazardous workplace exposures such as SHS in these environments. Click here to read the study abstract published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine.
Secondhand smoke exposure persists in multiunit housing
Residents of multiunit housing continue to be exposed to secondhand smoke, and are supportive of smoke-free housing policies according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. This nationally-representative study assessed the attitudes, experience, and acceptance regarding smoke-free policies among multiunit housing residents across the United States. Multiunit housing was defined as apartments, duplexes, double/multifamily homes, condominiums, or townhouses. Among the respondents, 29% reported living in smoke-free buildings, and 56% supported 100% smoke-free policies in their buildings. Additionally, 79% of the respondents implemented smoke-free rules in their homes. Those with smoke-free homes were more likely to be nonsmokers, live with children, and have achieved higher education levels. The results suggest that about 30 million residents are exposed to secondhand smoke from other areas of their building, regardless of a smoke-free policy in their homes, and many multiunit housing residents welcome policies that protect them from secondhand smoke at home. To read more about this study, click here. Click here to read the study abstract.
Study: Benefits of Wisconsin's smoke-free law spread from work to home (WI)
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health examined data from the 2008-2010 Survey of the Health of Wisconsin to determine whether the legislation that made all workplaces in Wisconsin smoke-free contributed to a reduction in smoke exposure inside and outside of homes. The data showed that the percentage of respondents exposed to secondhand smoke outside of the home decreased from 55% to 32%. Smoke exposure inside the home also decreased significantly, from 13% to 7%. Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke is beneficial to overall health, and this evidence shows that laws that support reductions in secondhand smoke exposure are successful. Click here to read more about this study. Click here to view this publication in the Wisconsin Medical Journal.
top
Reports
NALBOH offers tobacco prevention toolkit
The National Association of Local Boards of Health (NALBOH) has released its fourth edition of the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Toolkit. This free toolkit contains information about programs and services that support tobacco prevention and ways to become involved. Click here to access this toolkit.
ANRF releases new smoke-free lists, maps, and data
The Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights (ANR) Foundation has released lists, maps, and data on the topic areas of restrictions on youth access to tobacco, tobacco excise taxes, advertising and promotion restrictions, and conditional use permit laws. Click here to access these new resources.
Michigan smoking ban didn't hurt businesses, health department study says (MI)
The implementation of a smoke-free air policy in Michigan’s bars and restaurants was found to have no significant economic impact on hospitality businesses in the state. The state’s Department of Community Health recently released a study that examined the state sales tax collections from bars, restaurants, and businesses selling Club Keno tickets after the law was passed in 2010. The data revealed some fluctuations in sales; however, bars and restaurants were not significantly affected. The smoke-free policy has created a healthier environment for the citizens of Michigan, and this study reinforces the fact that businesses have not been negatively impacted. Click here to read more. Click here to access the full report.
top
State Policy
Nearly half of Ga. school districts tobacco-free (GA)
According to the Georgia Department of Health, almost half of the state’s school districts have enacted 100% tobacco-free policies. Among the state’s 181 school districts, 87 (48%) have implemented tobacco-free policies that indicate that tobacco products (including electronic cigarettes) are prohibited on school properties. The state continues its efforts to support the rest of the school districts in adopting tobacco-free policies. Click here to read more. Click here to access the Georgia Department of Health’s announcement.
top
International
China, United States cooperate on smoking control in workplaces (China)
A joint statement was released by China’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stating that China and the U.S. have come together to form the Sino-U.S. Partnership on Smoke-Free Workplaces. This partnership is a pledge by both countries to support each other in efforts to reduce workplace smoking in both the public and private sectors. The hope is that this partnership will aid in bringing attention to the issue of secondhand smoke exposure in public places, thereby improving the health of employees. Click here to read more. Click here to access the joint statement.
top
Back to Table of Contents
|
