Tobacco Use and Secondhand Smoke Exposure: Smoke-Free Policies

The Community Preventive Services Task Force recommends smoke-free policies to reduce secondhand smoke exposure and tobacco use. Evidence shows effectiveness of smoke‑free policies in: reducing exposure to secondhand smoke; reducing the prevalence of tobacco use; increasing the number of tobacco users who quit; reducing the initiation of tobacco use among young people; and reducing tobacco-related morbidity and mortality, including acute cardiovascular events. Economic evidence indicates that smoke-free policies can reduce healthcare costs substantially, and smoke-free policies do not have an adverse economic impact on businesses, including bars and restaurants.