State Smoke-Free Laws for Worksites, Restaurants, and Bars—United States, 2000–2010

April 22, 2011 / Vol. 60 / No. 15

MMWR Introduction

Cigarette smoke contains about 70 known carcinogens, and exposure to SHS causes an estimated 46,000 heart disease deaths and 3,400 lung cancer deaths among U.S. nonsmoking adults annually. This report summarizes the changes in state smoking restrictions for private-sector worksites, restaurants and bars that occurred from December 31, 2000 to December 31, 2010. These three venues were selected because they are a major source of secondhand smoke exposure for nonsmoking employees and the public. The number of states with comprehensive smoke-free laws in effect increased from zero as of December 31, 2000 to 25 states and the District of Columbia as of December 31, 2010.