Everyone knows that smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer and emphysema, and that secondhand smoke causes cancer in nonsmokers. Smoking has also been shown to increase the risk and incidence of heart disease in smokers and those breathing secondhand smoke.
In the past several years, numerous cities and countries have banned smoking in public indoor areas often including restaurants and bars. In locations throughout Europe and the United States, smoking bans have led to a reduction in hospital admissions for heart disease, asthma attacks, and other respiratory symptoms.
Results
Hospital admissions for heart attacks and respiratory problems have fallen by double-digit percentages in cities in Scotland, Ireland, Italy, and the United States where smoking bans have been in effect for six months or more.
The main benefit seems to be for those who work in bars and restaurants – whether or not they are smokers. In a Scottish study, bar workers reduced respiratory symptoms by more than 25 percent in just five months. An 18-month Colorado study showed a 27 percent decrease in hospital admissions for heart attacks in the city of Pueblo where a smoking ban was in effect. Surrounding communities without a ban showed no decrease.
A nationwide ban of smoking in public places in Italy led to an 8.9 percent decrease in cigarette sales in 2005.
The Facts According to the American Heart Association
- More than 35,000 nonsmokers in the United States die each year from heart disease caused by inhaling secondhand smoke.
- Smoking triples the risk of dying from heart disease among middle-aged men and women.
- Both active and passive smoking are associated with an increase in the progression of atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. The risk of ischemic stroke is nearly doubled by smoking.
Opponents of smoking bans cite evidence that some restaurants and bars have closed after bans went into effect. The issue of public smoking is not yet resolved, but the health benefits and reduced hospital costs seem to support the growing tendency to ban smoking in public areas in many cities. |
