Unintended Consequences of Current Smokefree Efforts

While legislation of smokefree workplaces has increased over the past several decades, significant gaps in protections still exist. Currently, 21 states, including DC and Puerto Rico, have strong 100% smokefree workplace laws that include restaurants and bars protecting 41% of the U.S. population; 13 states have at least one 100% smokefree provision; 18 states have weak (less than 100%) laws or no law whatsoever. Locally, 3,079 municipalities have laws that restrict where smoking is allowed; however, only 375 have the strong, comprehensive 100% workplace laws. Gaming facilities, hotels, construction sites, and small businesses are most frequently exempted from laws, as well as hookah and cigar bars. At both the state and local level, it is critical that laws provide universal smokefree protections to all workers in all types of workplaces to prevent illness or death related to SHS. The disparity in workplace protections shows an interesting pattern by geography and ethnicity, and parallels with other disease patterns. There is clear overlap between the “heart attack and asthma belt” and those jurisdictions without smokefree laws. While tremendous progress is being made in some traditionally challenging states (e.g., North Carolina), 59% of the population remains unprotected. This presentation will illustrate gaps in smokefree protections, discuss the current incremental approach to comprehensive smokefree laws and reactive versus proactive targeting and funding of communities, and review possible strategies for closing gaps including funding and mobilization needs amongst non-traditional community based organizations.