New Research On Second Hand Smoke

There’s some new information on second hand smoke that I want you to know about.

A report was recently released that showed bans on smoking in public places really do work at reducing heart attacks from second hand smoke.  The major study by the U.S. Institute of Medicine showed that smoke free policies can reduce the risk of heart attack by up to 47% and significantly reduce the likelihood of other heart problems.

Another interesting thing the study found was compelling evidence that even a brief exposure to secondhand smoke can trigger a heart attack.

The findings in the report show that implementing smoking bans in public areas like restaurants and bars significantly reduces the risk of acute coronary events.

The doctors who did the study said they did conclude a “cause and effect” relationship between heart disease, heart attacks, acute coronary events, and secondhand smoke exposure. 

This new study further proves that smoke-free laws result in fewer heart attacks.  Because of this new information, more states might pass smoke free legislation for public areas. 

Danny McGoldrick, the Vice President for research at Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, said “If policy makers are paying attention to the science, and this is one more piece of evidence that says you can actually save people’s lives and save health care costs, then those states that have yet to act should do so.  How many dramatic findings do you need before you are finally going to act and protect everybody’s right to breathe clean air?” 

To read the article in its entirety, visit the link below at the US World and News website: 

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/10/15/smoking-bans-reduce-heart-attacks-study.html 

I don’t know about you, but I like the smoke free environment in restaurants and bars.  Not being exposed to the second hand smoke makes my evening much more enjoyable!

Dr. Jason Gerard, D.C.