Researchers reviewed 45 studies covering 33 smoke-free laws in the United States and other countries.
They found smoke-free laws resulted in the following benefits:
• Fifteen percent reduction in heart attack hospitalizations.
• Sixteen percent reduction in stroke hospitalizations.
• Twenty-four percent decrease in hospitalizations for respiratory diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
The most comprehensive laws, which prohibit smoking in workplaces, restaurants and bars, were associated with the greatest health benefits, according to the release.
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Where There’s No Smoke, There’s Still Fire: Repercussions of Smoker-Free Hospitals
