All citizens of Mississippi have the right to live, work, and play in a smoke-free environment. To ensure this, laws and policies have been implemented to make our communities smoke-free. Studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of anti-smoking laws and policies, such as “anti-smoking policies”, “smoke-free housing”, and “comprehensive anti-smoking policies”. The lack of comprehensive state anti-tobacco laws and the increase in cigarette taxes may lead to an increase in tobacco use, second-hand smoke exposure, health disparities, and smoking-related diseases and deaths. Other approaches such as ventilation systems and separate sections for smokers and non-smokers do not completely eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke.
Anti-smoking policies in multi-unit housing are usually left to the discretion of developers, property managers, or unit-level residents, unless there are local ordinances that prohibit smoking in multi-unit homes. Public health professionals must take a leading role in facilitating community participation in creating and implementing anti-smoking laws and policies. Non-smoking restrictions have been implemented in private workplaces, restaurants, and bars with a list of places where smoking is prohibited. Research is needed to examine the evolution of local smoking restrictions in recent years and their impact on public health. Studies have shown that once states approve partial smoking restrictions, they are slow to review and enforce these laws.
Anti-smoking laws have been made in numerous states that lack comprehensive state laws, including several southern states. In Kentucky, anti-smoking laws were followed by reductions in smoking rates123 and improvements in worker health and air quality124,125, such as a decrease in asthma attacks126, hospitalizations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease127, lung cancer128, and myocardial infarctions. More Mississippi cities are voting to become smoke-free every year, recognizing the value it brings to residents and visitors. The impact of anti-smoking laws on the establishment of voluntary anti-smoking policies in private settings has also been investigated.
1.1
. It is clear that smoke-free laws can bring about positive changes for public health.The implementation of these laws can help reduce smoking rates, improve air quality, reduce health disparities, and decrease the number of smoking related diseases and deaths.
