Secondhand Smoke
Research
Smoke travels to non-smoking hotel rooms, study shows
A study in Tobacco Control found smoke residue on surfaces and in the air of both smoking and non-smoking rooms in thirty California hotels. Using a stratified random sample, researchers analyzed surfaces and air in hotels with and without complete smoking bans. Researchers found that surface nicotine and other chemical traces were significantly elevated in hotels without smoking bans as compared to smoke-free hotels. Similarly, nicotine levels were higher in non-smoking rooms at hotels where smoking was allowed than those found in smoke-free hotels. Findings from the study encourage more effective smoking bans in hotels to limit thirdhand smoke exposure among guests. Click here to read USA Today’s coverage of the study. Click here to read the study abstract.
Smoke-free rules and secondhand smoke exposure in homes and vehicles among US adults, 2009–2010
A recent study published in Preventing Chronic Disease reports that four out of five adults have voluntary smoke-free rules in their homes, and three out of four have smoke-free rules in their vehicles. Data from the National Adult Tobacco Survey was analyzed to classify respondents as implementing smoke-free rules if they never allowed smoking in their homes or vehicles. Regardless of these self-implemented rules, about 11 million non-smoking adults were found to still be exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes, and about 17 million continue to be exposed in a vehicle. State level data showed that smoke-free rules in homes and vehicles were most prevalent in states with comprehensive smoke-free laws and histories of tobacco control programs. This study provides evidence that stricter smoke-free air laws are needed to prevent exposure to secondhand smoke. Click here to access the full report.
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State Policy
Senate OKs smoking ban outside state office buildings (LA)
Legislation that would prohibit smoking within 25 feet of entrances to state office buildings has been approved by Louisiana legislators. HB 111 prohibits smoking in state office buildings, but state facilities and arenas such as the Fant-Ewing Coliseum and the Cajundome are exempt from this bill. HB 111 also prohibits smoking within 25 feet of a wheelchair ramp or other structure used to facilitate access to state buildings for disabled individuals. After the House approved the bill earlier this month, the Senate passed an amended version; the bill will now return to the House. Click here to read more. Click here to track HB111.
Smoking ban rollback wins first vote (NC)
A bill to overturn North Carolina’s law that prohibited smoking in outdoor areas in cities, beaches and community college campuses was approved in Senate committee. The vote was based on the argument that not allowing smoking areas in public places alienates smokers. Outdoor smoke-free air laws protect the public from the adverse health effects of secondhand smoke, and this vote moves the state backward in regards to smoke-free air policies and protecting the public. Click here to read more. Click here to track SB 703, which has been referred to the Committee on State and Local Government.
New York expands no smoking zones in state parks (NY)
The state of New York has expanded its smoke-free air laws to include more places within state parks. Smoking will be prohibited at state parks, pools, historic sites and popular beaches. All state parks within New York City are now 100% smoke-free, and violators will be fined up to $250. Governor Cuomo announced that the policy change was made in response to demand from the public for smoke-free areas for outdoor recreation. Click here to read more.
E-cigarette users out of luck in Ohio's casinos (OH)
Electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, are no longer allowed in half of the casinos in Ohio. The state’s current smoke-free air law prohibits smoking in all casinos, and now three out of the six casinos have chosen to ban e-cigarettes as well. The casinos chose to include e-cigarettes to reduce any confusion by patrons who may mistake them for real cigarettes. Click here to read more.
Gov. signs anti-smoking/local control legislation (OK)
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallen signed legislation that gives local communities the authority to regulate smoking in public parks and municipal facilities. SB 501 also prohibits the use of tobacco products in state buildings, land, and vehicles, making permanent a policy that the governor put in place through an Executive Order in 2012. This bill provides local governments with the ability to create policies that will protect the public from secondhand smoke exposure, and improve the health of the community. Click here to read more.
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