Secondhand Smoke

Research

The economic impact of smoke-free laws on restaurants and bars in nine states
A recent study in Preventing Chronic Disease finds that smoke-free laws do not have an adverse economic impact on restaurants or bars. This study is one of the largest studies to date examining the effect of smoke-free air laws on business. Researchers analyzed quarterly data of employment and sales in restaurants and bars from 2000 to 2010 from 216 smoke-free cities and counties in eight states without statewide smoke-free air laws: Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia. Results of the study show smoke-free laws did not have an adverse economic impact on restaurants or bars in any of the states studied. The study’s findings are consistent with other research showing the neutral or positive impact of smoke-free air laws on the restaurant and bar business, and indicate that states should not be wary of the economic impact of smoke-free air laws. Click here to read a statement about the study from the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, or click here to view the study abstract.

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure in children aged 3-19 years with and without asthma in the United States, 1999-2010
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) released a report detailing the harmful effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on children’s asthma. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), researchers examined trends in ETS exposure among children with and without asthma from 1999-2010. A key finding is the percentage of children without asthma exposed to ETS decreased from 57.3% in 1999 to 44.2% in 2010, while children with asthma showed no change. From 2007-2010, a higher percentage of children with asthma were exposed to ETS than children without asthma. Children with asthma who were girls, Mexican American, aged 6-11 years, or from a family with an income below 350% of the federal poverty level were more likely to be exposed to ETS than children without asthma. To read the entire report, click here.

Thirdhand smoke: A select bibliography of recent studies
The Tobacco Control Legal Consortium has released a bibliography of select recent studies examining thirdhand smoke. Thirdhand smoke is defined as residue from cigarettes, cigars and other combustible tobacco products that can linger on surfaces long after the product has been extinguished. The residual gasses and particulate matter from the cigarette smoke clings to walls and ceilings and is absorbed in carpets, clothing, draperies, upholsteries, vehicle interiors and other items.  The bibliography features studies examining the health effects of thirdhand smoke, as well as data that can be applied by landlords, tenants, day care users, home buyers, and others concerned about the effects of thirdhand smoke. While the body of literature regarding thirdhand smoke is growing, more research is needed to establish risks of exposure to thirdhand smoke. Click here to read more.

Thirdhand tobacco smoke: A tobacco-specific lung carcinogen on surfaces in smokers' homes
In a study published in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, researchers from the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota examined the presence of a tobacco-specific lung carcinogen in smokers’ homes. The research team compared dust samples from the homes of smokers and nonsmokers for a tobacco-specific lung carcinogen to measure the level of thirdhand smoke. Results of the study show the carcinogen was present in 33 of 37 surfaces in smokers’ homes as compared to 3 of 19 surfaces in nonsmokers’ homes. The researchers also noted a significantly higher level of the lung carcinogen in smokers’ homes as compared to nonsmokers’ homes. Researchers conclude that future residents of homes should be notified if the previous resident was a smoker to avoid exposure to a potent lung carcinogen. Click here to view the study abstract.

No-smoking law in Colorado casinos led to fewer ambulance calls (CO)
The American Heart Association published a new study showing a 20% drop in emergency calls from casinos following the implementation of a smoke-free air law in casinos. The study analyzed ambulance calls originating and not originating from casinos in a rural Colorado county from January 2000 to December 2012. Expansion of the smoke-free air law to include casinos was associated with a 19.1% drop in ambulance calls from casinos, but was not associated in a significant change in ambulance calls from elsewhere. The results of the study indicate that positive health outcomes are associated with smoke-free casino laws. Click here to read more, or click here to view the study abstract in Circulation.

top

Reports

Policies to Restrict Secondhand Smoke Exposure: American College of Preventive Medicine position statement
In its position statement released in September 2013, the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) outlines the scientific evidence for regulations to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure. ACPM calls for establishment and expansion of clean indoor air policies for workplaces, bars, restaurants, housing and a number of other venues to further shift social norms and protect the health of children, adolescents, and adults. The ACPM reports that at least 14 states have no statewide clean indoor air laws.  Click here to view the position statement.

Anti-smoking battle moves outdoors; bans increase
The Associated Press recently reported on outdoor smoking restrictions, including smoke-free policies aiming to prohibit smoking outdoors in city parks, public beaches, college campuses, and other outdoor venues. Currently, nearly 2,600 outdoor smoke-free policies exist and such policies have doubled in the past five years. Proponents of these policies cite CDC statements that there is no risk-free level of secondhand smoke. Click here to read the full article.

New smoke-free housing resources for California communities with rent control laws (CA)
ChangeLab Solutions published a fact sheet titled, “Smoke-free Multi-Unit Housing in Jurisdictions with Rent Control.” This resource aims to provide California communities with background information about rent control and smoke-free multi-unit housing policies. The fact sheet covers the relationship between smoke-free housing policies and rent control laws, and potential strategies for communities to implement smoke-free housing laws. A matrix of cities in California that have rent control laws is also included. ChangeLab Solutions has also released a plug-in provision for use with its “Model Smoke-free Housing Ordinance” to add to ChangeLab’s existing model smoke-free policy to make it more appropriate to rent-controlled housing. To read more about these new materials, click here.

top

State Policy

Michigan businesses forced to go smoke-free seeing positive results (MI)
According to a recent article in The Detroit News, bars and restaurants have adapted to Michigan’s smoke-free air law that went into effect three years ago. The law, which became effective in May 2010, prohibited smoking in all restaurants, bars and businesses, including motels and hotels. As a result of the smoke-free air policy, businesses have benefited from cleaner walls and vents, increased clientele, and a healthier environment for customers and employees. While many businesses have acclimated to the smoke-free policies, the law continues to have its opponents, including the Michigan Restaurant Association and the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association. Since the law’s implementation, the annual number of citations for smoking violations has dropped from 101 in 2010 to 85 in 2011. Click here to read more.

top

Back to Table of Contents