Prevention Matters

The United States is continuing to make great strides toward the elimination of tobacco smoke in the country’s air. According to the Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation, as of April 1, 2010, 32 states, along with Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the District of Columbia have strong state/commonwealth laws in effect that qualify for at least one of the 100% smokefree list categories (workplaces, restaurants, and/or bars). A total of 38 states and the District of Columbia now have 100% smokefree air laws in effect at the local level. Adding to this growing list, by July 5, 2010, Michigan, Kansas and Wisconsin will all be 100% smokefree. More specifically, 57.2% of the U.S. population now lives in cities or states with smokefree non-hospitality workplaces; 68.1% in areas with smokefree restaurants; and 57.1% in areas with smokefree freestanding bars. Forty-one percent of the population is currently protected in all three categories.

For more smokefree lists, maps and reports visit Americans for Nonsmokers' Rights.

Alex Einhorn
Policy and Program Intern