Legislative smoking bans for reducing secondhand smoke exposure, smoking prevalence and tobacco consumption

Population Support Before and After the Implementation of Smoke-Free Laws in the United States: Trends From 1992–2007

“…A review on the impact of smoke-free laws concluded that support increases after the implementation of smoke-free laws, 13 but did not report whether this increase around the implementation of smokefree laws is greater than when laws are not implemented. Another review suggests that, in places where smoke-free laws are accompanied by public education campaigns, there is a higher increase in population support than in places without campaigns.…”

Environmental tobacco smoke exposure and asthma

“…It was found that the salivary cotinine concentrations dropped by 80% after the smoke-free law and changes in self reported exposure to secondhand smoke were consistent with the changes in cotinine concentrations (24). A Cochrane Database review (25) reported consistent evidence that smoking bans reduced exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in workplaces, restaurants, pubs and in public places. There was a greater reduction in exposure to SHS in hospitality workers compared to the general population.…”

“…There was a greater reduction in exposure to SHS in hospitality workers compared to the general population. But, there was no change in either the prevalence or duration of reported exposure to SHS in the home as a result of implementing legislative bans (25). The association between the environmental tobacco exposure and development of asthma has been evaluated various sites such as home and work place in both childhood and adulthood period in many studies.…”

Population-level changes to promote cardiovascular health

“…Smoking bans in the public domain led to reduction in exposure to passive smoking and an estimated 17% reduction in incidence of myocardial infarction, 77,78 while it is less clear whether legislation also leads to smoking cessation in the general population. 79 Labeling. One of the best ways to raise awareness of the dangers of tobacco is through the adoption of large mandatory pictorial warnings on the pack.…”

“…94,95 Restrictions on smoking in general may enhance a cultural shift towards 'denormalization' of smoking, as a high public support for and compliance with smoking bans has been seen after passing legislation. 79 Smoke-free policies at working sites can provide substantial saving to employers as well as health benefits for the former tobacco user 95 without harming business in restaurants and bars.…”