Smoke-Free Policies Improve Health
Overview
Studies have shown that smoke-free laws that ban smoking in public places like bars and restaurants help improve the health of workers.1–4
Selected Studies
Studies in: | Found that: | Was associated with: |
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Scotland (2006)1 | Implementing a comprehensive national smoke-free law (banning smoking in enclosed public spaces) | Rapid (within 2 months) improvements in a number of health outcomes in nonsmoking bar workers, including—
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Ireland (2007)2 | Implementing a comprehensive national smoke-free law (banning smoking in all workplaces) | Improvements in the respiratory health of nonsmoking bar workers, including—
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California (1998)3 | Implementing a state law making bars smoke-free | Improvements in the respiratory health of bartenders, including—
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Additional Studies: |
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Additional studies conducted in several communities, states, regions, and countries have found that implementing smoke-free laws is associated with rapid and substantial reductions in hospital heart attack admissions. These reductions appear to be more pronounced among nonsmokers than smokers.4 |
References
- Menzies D, Nair A, Williamson PA, Schembri S, Al-Khairalla MZH, Barnes M, et al. Respiratory Symptoms, Pulmonary Function, and Markers of Inflammation Among Bar Workers Before and After a Legislative Ban on Smoking in Public Places. Journal of the American Medical Association 2006;296(14):1742–8 [cited 2011 Mar 11].
- Goodman P, Agnew M, McCaffrey M, Paul G, Clancy L. Effects of the Irish Smoking Ban on Respiratory Health of Bar Workers and Air Quality in Dublin Pubs. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 2007;175(8):840–5 [cited 2011 Mar 11].
- Eisner MD, Smith AK, Blanc PD. Bartenders' Respiratory Health After Establishment of Smoke-Free Bars and Taverns. Journal of the American Medical Association 1998;280(22):1909–14 [cited 2011 Mar 11].
- Institute of Medicine. Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Cardiovascular Effects: Making Sense of the Evidence (PDF–707.47 KB). Washington: National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine, 2009 [accessed 2011 Mar 11].
For Further Information
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Office on Smoking and Health
E-mail: tobaccoinfo@cdc.gov
Phone: 1-800-CDC-INFO
Media Inquiries: Contact CDC's Office on Smoking and Health press line at 770-488-5493.
Contact Us:
- CDC/Office on Smoking and Health
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Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3717 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348
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Closed Holidays - tobaccoinfo@cdc.gov