State legislative efforts to reduce children's exposure to second hand smoke

Objectives: Secondhand smoke exposure is especially harmful to children because carcinogens can accumulate more quickly in developing bodies (U.S. Surgeon General's Report, 2006). Children exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, more severe asthma, respiratory problems, slowed lung growth, and sudden infant death syndrome (U.S. Surgeon General's Report, 2006). Children spend considerable amount of time in homes, childcare facilities, and vehicles, making these significant places for secondhand smoke exposure. States have responded to this potential exposure by enacting laws restricting smoking in these settings. Participants will have a greater understanding of emerging areas of tobacco control aimed at protecting children from secondhand smoke in the places where they spend the majority of their time: at home, at daycare, and in the care.

Methods: Using data from the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health's State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation (STATE) System, we will examine state laws restricting smoking in: (1) public- and private-owned multi-unit housing facilities (where smoke can drift from common areas into living areas, even if families establish non-smoking households); (2) private-owned and childcare facility vehicles; and (3) childcare facilities.

Results: Data indicate that as of December 31, 2008: 12 states restrict smoking in multi-unit housing common areas; (2) 7 states restrict smoking in childcare vehicles and four in personal vehicles with children present; and (3) 42 states restrict smoking in commercial childcare facilities and 40 states restrict smoking in home-based childcare facilities.