POLICY & ADVOCACY

The Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living (TFL) began its interventions in tobacco prevention with a campaign to educate the public about the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke.

TFL pursued this issue at the suggestion of its external Scientific Advisory Board, composed of experts on tobacco and health from across the country, for a variety of reasons. Since exposure to secondhand smoke is an entirely avoidable cause of illness and death, it presents itself as an appropriate starting point in a comprehensive tobacco prevention and cessation program.

Studies in the medical literature suggest that educating the public about secondhand smoke leads to greater efforts in personal behavior change, such as establishing one’s home and car as smoke-free zones, and to increased initiatives to change public policy, such as smoke-free workplace regulations.

These actions not only help protect the health of non-smokers, but also provide an incentive for persons who wish to quit smoking. Smoke-free indoor air policy changes reduce daily cigarette consumption and accelerate cessation attempts.

While many in our society understand that exposure to secondhand smoke is dangerous, they lack detailed knowledge about the wide range of health effects involved. The non-smoking majority (75% of Louisiana citizens) need to know how to protect themselves against these risks, which include heart disease, lung cancer, complications of pregnancy, and a variety of respiratory illnesses among children.

Recently, Louisiana legislators passed two key pieces of legislation during the 2006 regular legislative session. The "Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act" (Act No. 815), effective January 1, 2007, prohibits smoking in most indoor workplaces and public places within a place of employment. Additionally, they passed Act No. 838, which prohibits smoking in motor vehicles when children under the age of 13 are present (effective August 15, 2006).

Thanks to Governor Blanco and our legislators for responding to Louisiana citizens who want and deserve the right to breathe clean, smoke-free air.