July 31st, 2008

According to a new study from Scotland, a smoking ban can provide significant health benefits by reducing exposure to secondhand smoke.

Results from the study showed a 17% reduction in the number of hospital admissions for heart attacks and acute coronary problems in the year after Scotland banned smoking in public places.  Nonsmokers accounted for 67% of the overall reduction in hospitalizations.

“There has long been a claim from smokers that they are affecting their own bodies, and why should the public care?” said David Cohen, director of cardiovascular research at Saint Luke’s Mid American Heart Institute in Kansas City, Mo.  “This shows that the public should absolutely care.”

Check out today’s Wall Street Journal  report for more information on the study.