IOM: Smoke-free laws reduce heart attacks

Earlier this week more evidence was added to the mountain of scientific proof showing smoke-free laws are good for health. The Institute of Medicine released a study this week addressing heart attacks and smoke-free laws. While there has been significant debate in the scientific community on the effect that smoke-free protections have on reducing heart attacks, the debate is finally over.

Here is what you need to know about the study:

• Secondhand smoke exposure increases risks of heart disease and attacks and can cause heart attacks
• After smoke-free laws are implemented there is an immediate reduction in heart attack rates
• Smoke-free laws save lives, immediately after they are put in place
• We must protect all workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke

The first heart attack study was conducted in Helena, MT and has been replicated  in other places. However there were some studies that didn't show a significant reduction in heart attacks. The Institute of Medicine clarifies that there is an immediate reduction in heart attack rates and proves once and for all smoke-free laws are good for heart health. 

If you read just one other resource about this new study I would recommend:

Americans for Non-Smokers' Rights Press Release

However if want a full report filled with all the facts and figures the full scientific report is available as well.