Secondhand Smoke
Research
Smoke-free subsidized housing would save $521 million a year
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published a new study that examined the cost-savings of implementing smoke-free air laws in subsidized housing. Estimates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding residency, the annual cost savings of secondhand smoke (SHS)-related healthcare, the renovation of housing units that allow smoking, and smoking-related fires were used to determine the cost-savings of having smoke-free subsidized housing. It is reported that prohibiting smoking in all U.S. subsidized housing would result in a cost-savings of about $521 million per year, and prohibiting smoking in U.S. public housing alone would lead to cost-savings of $154 million per year. These results show that enacting smoke-free air laws in subsidized housing would save lives as well as millions of dollars. Click here to read more about this study. Click here to read the full report published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Can secondhand smoke hurt kids' kidneys?
A new study finds that secondhand smoke exposure among children is negatively associated with kidney health. Researchers assessed data from 7,516 teens ages 12 to 17 who participated in the 1999-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The creatinine (a product in the body used determine kidney health) and cotinine (a chemical found in cigarettes and used to determine the levels of tobacco smoke exposure) in the teens’ blood were analyzed. The data showed that teens’ kidney health decreased at the same rate as cotinine levels increased. This finding provides evidence that secondhand smoke might be a contributor to kidney dysfunction in teens, and that more research is needed to explore this relationship. Click here to read more about this study published in Pediatrics. Click here to read the study abstract.
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Reports
New and updated smoke-free outdoor air resources (CA)
The American Lung Association in California’s Center for Tobacco Policy and Organizing has released new and updated resources to highlight efforts by cities and counties throughout California to address secondhand smoke exposure in outdoor areas in communities. These documents include lists of cities and counties that have passed policies prohibiting smoking in parks, service areas, entryways, public events, and outdoor dining. Click here to access these resources.
New York City celebrates 10 years of smoke-free air (NY)
March 30th marked the ten-year anniversary of New York City becoming smoke-free. New York City has led the state in implementing smoke-free laws and in fighting tobacco use. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has been an important leader in accomplishing these feats. Smoke-free air laws have decreased the state’s adult smoking rate by 31% since 2002, and youth smoking has dropped by more than half since 2001. Click here to read more. To keep making progress, the City Council recently introduced legislation to eliminate tobacco industry discounting and attractive store displays of tobacco packages.
ANRF smoke-free lists and maps quarterly update
The Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation (ANRF) has announced its most recent quarterly update to the lists and maps of U.S. municipalities and states with smoke-free air laws now in effect. Click here to access the lists and maps, which have been updated as of April 5, 2013.
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State Policy
New bill aims to pass new smoke-free air laws in public places (AR)
New smoke-free air legislation has been introduced in Arkansas that would prohibit smoking in all public places, including bars that have been exempt from these types of laws. The sponsor of the bill states that he would like to implement smoke-free air laws in all commercial businesses where the public could be exposed to secondhand smoke such as bars and casinos. Click here to read more. Click here to track HB 2119, which has been referred to the Committee on Public Health, Welfare and Labor.
Utah bans smoking with kids in car (UT)
Utah Governor Gary Herbert signed new legislation that bans adults from smoking in cars with children fifteen years of age and younger. The maximum fine for breaking this law is $45. The law will take effect on May 14 and will be enforced after one year. Click here to read more.
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International
2014 World Cup will be tobacco free
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup in Brazil in 2014 will be tobacco-free. Soccer fans and players will now be protected from secondhand smoke exposure at the games, as all locations involved in the games will be 100% tobacco-free. Tobacco use will be prohibited both indoors and outdoors, and no smoking of cigarettes or other tobacco products, or tobacco advertising, promotion, or sponsorship will be allowed. The World Cup is one of the world’s most popular sporting events, and this decision has been made to not only protect the public from secondhand smoke exposure, but also to prevent tobacco companies from marketing to the public during the games. Click here to read more.
Chile becomes smoke-free (Chile)
Chile has become the 14th country in Latin America to pass smoke-free air laws in enclosed public spaces. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 40% of Chileans smoke cigarettes, which is one of the highest prevalence rates in the region. Treating tobacco-related illnesses and diseases in Chile costs the government about $10 billion, and smoking has become more prevalent among youth and women. Smoke-free air laws in public places have been proven to be an effective policy in reducing tobacco use. Click here to read more.
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