Smoke-free laws reduce hospitalizations for cardiac, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases
Smoke-free laws reduce hospitalizations for cardiac, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases
A meta-analysis published in the journal Circulation examined the association between smoke-free laws and hospitalizations for various cardiac, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases. Findings were based on an analysis of 45 studies of 33 smoke-free laws with a median follow-up of 24 months.
Key Findings
· Comprehensive smoking bans resulted in significant reductions in hospitalizations for acute coronary syndrome, acute coronary events, ischemic heart disease, angina, coronary heart disease, sudden cardiac death, stroke, asthma, and lung infection.
· The more comprehensive a smoke-free law, the greater the reductions in hospital admissions.
Several studies included in this analysis documented reductions in healthcare costs associated with fewer hospitalizations for cardiovascular or respiratory diseases.
Key Messages
· Secondhand smoke causes cardiovascular and respiratory disease.
· Smoke-free laws result in decreases in hospitalizations for cardiac, cerebrovascular, and respiratory diseases and lower healthcare expenditures.
· Comprehensive smoke-free laws ending smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars result in greater reductions in hospital admissions than less comprehensive laws.
· Countries must enact comprehensive 100% smoke-free laws to protect the public from the deadly health effects of secondhand smoke and comply with Article 8 of the FCTC.
Full Citation: Tan CE, Glantz SA. Association Between Smoke-Free Legislation and Hospitalizations for Cardiac, Cerebrovascular, and Respiratory Diseases: A Meta-Analysis. Circulation 2012. 126: 2177-2183.
A link to the full article [English only] can be found at: http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/126/18/2177.full
Additional Resources: For additional information about smoke-free laws, including information on the health risks associated with secondhand smoke visit: http://global.tobaccofreekids.org/en/resources/by_issue/ smoke_free_laws/
Circulation is a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Heart Association. The journal equips readers with the knowledge needed to improve clinical care and population health.
If you have questions about the study or how to use it in your advocacy efforts, please email research@global.tobaccofreekids.org .
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