Smoke less, Breathe more

Agree or disagree with smoking bans, the fact is that more and more data are being accumulated showing that smoking bans may actually be saving lives. In addition, it may be an impetus for some smokers to contact a quit line.

A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine, found a significant reduction in children admitted to teh hospital with asthma exacerbations after smoking bans were implemented.

USA today also reported that, "Since the law took effect, doctors also have found fewer breathing problems among waiters, bartenders and other pub employees, says Pell, of the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Studies in the USA have shown that heart attacks decline immediately after cities implement smoking bans."

This article was also covered by Bloomberg and MedPage Today.

Additionally, their is some circumstantial evidence that the implementation of these laws along with State funded smoking cessation programs, and perhaps higher taxes on cigarettes, has reduced the rates of smokers. In Cuyahoga County, the smoking rate went from 20.7 percent in 2005 to 15 percent in 2009, according to the state's Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey. The overall state rate went from 22.4 to 20.3 percent in the same time period. According to a recent article by The Plain Dealer.

On the flip side I have not seen any data published on the health effects of people smoking outside of bars and restaurants in the winter time.