Health
States with smoke-free workplace laws grow in number
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 16, 2008
Between 2005 and 2007, the number of states with laws prohibiting smoking in private-sector work sites -- including restaurants and bars -- tripled, and the number with no such restrictions was halved, says a study in the May 23 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
Specifically, the tally of states with such laws increased from eight to 25 during this time period. Also, the number with no such restrictions dropped from 16 to eight.
This study examined state smoking restrictions that applied to private-sector work sites where adult nonsmokers were most likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke. It builds on a previous 2005 report based on data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's State Tobacco Activities Tracking and Evaluation System database.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/06/16/hlbf0616.htm.
