Smoke-free Georgia: Gaps and Opportunities for Protecting All
Abstract
The Surgeon General of the United States has issued warnings about the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is the combination of smoke exhaled by a smoker and the smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.
The Surgeon General’s warning became a part of the broader public health effort to inform the public about the risks associated with tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. The information provided by the Surgeon General has played a crucial role in shaping public policy, promoting smoke-free environments, and ultimately improving public health outcomes related to tobacco use.
In 2005, Georgia passed a statewide smoke-free law, however, the language included many exemptions allowing residents and visitors to still be exposed to harmful secondhand smoke in their workplaces and favorite venues. While the law included many exemptions, it also gave local municipalities permission to pass stronger laws.
Since 2005, eleven Georgia cities and counties have passed stronger policies through the efforts of coalitions, community members, and organizations. Each campaign provides new stories of success and new challenges that have been overcome.
During this presentation, learn about the efforts that have taken place over the last two decades to protect Georgians from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Discussion will center around successes, as well as the existing gaps that the state faces to fully protect all, and the opportunities that we each have to make a difference.
Keywords
tobacco, law, advocacy, public health, secondhand smoke
Smoke-free Georgia: Gaps and Opportunities for Protecting All
The Surgeon General of the United States has issued warnings about the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoke or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), is the combination of smoke exhaled by a smoker and the smoke released from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe.
The Surgeon General’s warning became a part of the broader public health effort to inform the public about the risks associated with tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke. The information provided by the Surgeon General has played a crucial role in shaping public policy, promoting smoke-free environments, and ultimately improving public health outcomes related to tobacco use.
In 2005, Georgia passed a statewide smoke-free law, however, the language included many exemptions allowing residents and visitors to still be exposed to harmful secondhand smoke in their workplaces and favorite venues. While the law included many exemptions, it also gave local municipalities permission to pass stronger laws.
Since 2005, eleven Georgia cities and counties have passed stronger policies through the efforts of coalitions, community members, and organizations. Each campaign provides new stories of success and new challenges that have been overcome.
During this presentation, learn about the efforts that have taken place over the last two decades to protect Georgians from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Discussion will center around successes, as well as the existing gaps that the state faces to fully protect all, and the opportunities that we each have to make a difference.
