Study Shows Smoking Bans Protect Non-Smokers and Reduce Health Disparities

A new study from a team of researchers at the University of York shows that England’s 2007 smoking ban in public places protects nonsmokers from exposure to second- and thirdhand smoke.

By THSRC

November 14, 2021

In 2007, England banned smoking in enclosed public places, including workplaces and public transportation. Researchers from the University of York used data from 766 smokers and 2952 non-smokers who responded to the Health Survey for England to examine the effect of this ban on exposure to tobacco smoke among smokers and non-smokers.
Results show that, although the ban did not have much of an effect on exposure to tobacco smoke among smokers, it significantly reduced exposure to tobacco smoke among nonsmokers. It also reduced exposure disparities associated with socioeconomic deprivation.
These results support smoking bans in all enclosed spaces, including all multiunit housing and all hospitality venues, to protect nonsmokers from secondhand and toxic thirdhand smoke exposure.

Click here to read the research study

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