I wanted to share with you two studies that were released recently that support ACS CAN's work to enact comprehensive smoke-free laws across the country. A Gallup study released last week showed that the majority of Americans strongly support prohibiting smoking in public places. Specifically, 55 percent of Americans would make all public spaces smoke-free up from 40 percent support in 2007. Gallup also found that nearly 60 percent of Americans, an all-time high, think secondhand smoke is very harmful to adults. Additionally, the Preventing Chronic Disease journal released last week one of the largest studies on the economic impact of smoke-free laws. After analyzing data from more than 200 smoke-free cities and counties, the researchers found that smoke-free laws do not negatively impact the business of restaurants and bars. Data from West Virginia even showed a small economic benefit to restaurants and bars that are smoke-free. This robust study adds further evidence that smoke-free laws protect the health of patrons and workers without hurting business. Currently, 24 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico have comprehensive smoke-free laws that protect people in all restaurants, bars and workplaces from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Everyone has the right to breathe smoke-free air. That's why ACS CAN staff are working hard in communities across the country to enact these lifesaving laws at the local and state level and these studies only add more incentive to do so.
Today’s blog is one of a series of posts highlighting how ACS CAN is examining, prioritizing and pursuing policy interventions that ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to prevent, find, treat and survive cancer. Achieving health equity in communities nationwide is a cornerstone of our mission.