New Orleans Neighborhoods Partnership Network

Moving Towards A Smoke-Free New Orleans

The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act has served as a cornerstone for creating a cleaner, healthier New Orleans. It protects ourselves, our family, and our friends from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke exposure. It allows us to eat in restaurants without being exposed to secondhand smoke. It gives communities the power to protect their residents by passing local ordinances that are stronger than the state law. Thanks to the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act we can all breathe a little easier.

Since January 2007, The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act has protected most of Louisiana’s workers in their place of work. The passage of this law was a tremendous public health victory for our state and has sent Louisiana to the top of the national ranks for protecting its citizens from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. There is no doubt that The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act will have a long term, positive impact on the health of our citizens, communities, and healthcare system. Before The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act was enacted on January 1, 2007, Louisiana restaurants that allowed smoking had over 8 times more indoor air pollution than they do today and had an EPA air quality rating of “hazardous.” Furthermore, indoor air pollution levels are now 91% lower on average in restaurants compared to bars where smoking is still permitted.

Consider these facts:

1. Each year, ~1,000 non-smoking Louisianans die from effects related to second-hand smoke exposure.
2. Inhaling just 30 minutes of secondhand smoke is the same as smoking a cigarette yourself.
3. Breathing secondhand smoke immediately increases your risk of developing heart disease.

Click here to tell us why you love The Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act!

Created By: Tobacco-Free Living