As the saying goes, time flies when you’re having fun. Apparently it also flies when your air is clean. It may be hard to believe, but Wisconsin’s landmark smoke-free workplace law is turning 3 years old this July 5.
Some people may take it for granted that smoking isn’t allowed in Wisconsin bars and restaurants. It wasn’t that long ago, however that you had to choose between “No Smoking” and “Smoking” sections or not go to places because they were simply too smoky. Now, because of the smoke-free air law, Wisconsin’s workers are healthier, and Lincoln County residents are able to enjoy a night out with family and friends without risking exposure to secondhand smoke.
However, the benefits of the smoke-free law are not limited to healthier workplaces. More and more families are also making their homes smoke-free.
Since the law took effect, secondhand smoke exposure inside the home has fallen from 13% to 7%, and the number of homes in Wisconsin with smoke-free rules has increased from 74% to 80%.
Perhaps the greatest benefit from the smoke-free law is that fewer of our kids are smoking. Since 2010, high school smoking has dropped 26% and middle school smoking fell 36%.
Judging from three short years, it’s clear that the smoke-free law’s public health impact will only continue to grow in the years ahead. Simply put, Wisconsin is better – and far healthier – smoke-free.
Interested in quitting? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit http://www.WiQuitLine.org