Health, social justice, and economic issues related to the development of local ordinances to prevent second hand smoke exposure

This is a critical time for communities to consider the affect of secondhand-smoke (SHS) on their citizens, especially the most vulnerable. The Institute of Medicine's (IOM) recent study demonstrates that SHS increases the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks and that smoking bans reduce this risk. The Committee concluded that smoking bans can have a substantial impact on public health.

This presentation addresses the social justice, economic, and health issues that communities, cities, and states encounter in building leadership and developing tobacco ordinances/laws that protect people against the affects of SHS. Presenters will discuss how communities can accomplish the social change necessary to be successful.

The City of Pueblo, Colorado successfully and efficiently addressed all three issues. Pueblo City Council passed a comprehensive strict tobacco ordinance which took effect July 2003. The community rallied around the issue voting twice for the ordinance to protect people from SHS. Community leaders and a citizen group educated the community about the dangers and importance of protecting everyone including children and hospitality workers, who may be exposed to SHS with no choice.

Researchers from the public health and medical communities studied the effect of going smoke-free on acute heart attack admissions at two local hospitals. Heart attack rates decreased 41% over a three year period. The studies were published in Circulation and the MMWR and included as a key study in the IOM report. An economic impact study showed no negative economic impact on tavern and restaurant sales tax revenues.