Current Trends in Smokefree Air

The landscape has changed since the nonsmokers' rights movement took off in the late 1970's when nonsmokers were fighting for nonsmoking sections in workplaces and restaurants. The 1986 Surgeon General's report on the health consequences of passive smoking provide evidence that the simple separation of smokers from nonsmokers was insufficient to protect nonsmokers from the hazards of secondhand smoke. As a result, advocates shifted their policy focus from sections to entirely smokefree areas, perhaps conceding to separately ventilated sections. Then came scientific evidence that ventilation could not eliminate the health risks associated with secondhand smoke, and advocates sought entirely smokefree spaces. The 2006 Surgeon General's report health consequences of passive smoking had a significant impact on policy-makers, the media, and general public. The year ended with a historical milestone: more than 50% of the U.S. population was covered by a local or statewide 100% smokefree law.

This presentation will provide an overview the most current trends in local and state smokefree laws, gaps in smokefree protections, and the growing trend toward adoption of voluntary smokefree meetings policies by national, state, and local organizations. In addition, the most recent research on the health effects of secondhand smoke exposure, including breast cancer and heart disease, as well as the financial benefits of smokefree air based on Society of Actuaries and reviews of economic impact of smokefree laws on restaurant and bar revenues will be discussed. This presentation will provide a framework and evidence-based justification for the legislative and voluntary smokefree activities.