Smoke-free

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No one should have to choose between their job and their health.  And the science clearly shows that secondhand smoke causes cancer, even for those who have never smoked a cigarette. 

We are working in local communities across the nation to make restaurants, bars, casinos and all workplaces smoke-free, protecting all workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke.

Nearly 60 percent of people across the country are protected by comprehensive smoke-free laws where they work.

Take Action

Photo of smoke-free sign on a restaurant table

It's time to protect everyone’s right to breathe clean smoke-free air!

No one should have to choose between their health and their job. Show your support for giving all employees the right to work in a place where smoking isn't allowed.

Latest Updates

May 16, 2024
Maryland

Today, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids issued the following statement:

April 5, 2024
New Jersey

January 15, 2024, marked 18 years since the New Jersey Smoke-free Air Act was signed into law. My family and I are proud New Jerseyans and direct beneficiaries of this groundbreaking legislation. I distinctly remember the difference it made in everyday life; clearing the haze from restaurants, commuter trains and businesses made it safer for workers and patrons alike. It is hard for me to imagine returning to a restaurant and sitting through a meal with plumes over my plate, ashtrays at every table or returning to a workplace where smoking is permitted and condoned.

February 22, 2024
Kentucky

City Council Voted to Weaken the City’s Smoke-free Ordinance

February 21, 2024
Kentucky

City Council Scheduled Vote Could Weaken the City’s Smoke-free Ordinance

Smoke-free Resources

ACS CAN advocates for everyone’s right to breathe smoke-free air so that no one is forced to choose between their health and a paycheck. ACS CAN urges state and local officials to pass and protect comprehensive smoke-free laws in all workplaces, including restaurants, bars and gaming facilities.

Research has repeatedly shown that there is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS). Smoke-free laws and policies provide immediate and long-term health benefits for both people who smoke and those who do not and are good for businesses and workers.

Tobacco use has been found to be one of the primary drivers of cancer-related health disparities because its use disproportionately impacts people based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, mental health, income level, education level, and geographic location. Achieving health equity relies heavily on eliminating tobacco use. ACS CAN is pursuing fact-based tobacco control policies at the local, state and federal levels that aim to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes for everyone.