The status of local smoking regulations in North Carolina following a state preemption bill

Article Abstract:

A statewide smoking control bill in North Carolina may have effectively stifled any future efforts to completely protect workers from environmental tobacco smoke. The North Carolina law, HB 957, passed on July 15, 1993, and allowed any local regulations adopted before Oct 15, 1993 to remain in effect, after which time more restrictive regulations would be prohibited. Although 89 local regulations were adopted during that time period, they all provided for only minimal or partial protection from environmental tobacco smoke. Minimal protection refers to allowing smoking in designated areas without separate ventilation systems, and partial protection means that the smoking-designated areas have separate ventilation systems. None of the local regulations banned smoking completely from private work sites. Thus, when all regulations are in effect, only 41% of private employees in North Carolina will have minimal or partial protection from tobacco smoke in the workplace, whereas 59% will have no legal protection at all.

Workplace smoking, Social policy, North Carolina

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Involuntary smoking in the restaurant workplace: a review of employee exposure and health effects

Article Abstract:

Exposure to higher levels of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) may increase the risk of lung cancer among food service workers. Banning smoking in bars and restaurants may reduce this risk significantly. A study reviewed articles in medical literature that examined levels of ETS in bars, restaurants, offices and residences with at least one smoker. ETS levels were 1.5 to two times higher in restaurants than in offices or residences. Bars had ETS levels that were between four and six times higher than in offices and approximately four times higher than in residences. A survey was also done of articles that examined the risk of lung cancer in food service workers. Food service workers may have a 50% increase in the risk of lung cancer as a result of exposure to ETS.

Health aspects, Risk factors, Bars, saloons, etc., Bars (Drinking establishments), Restaurants, Lung cancer, Passive smoking, Food service employees, Food service workers

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Preemption in tobacco control: review of an emerging public health program

Article Abstract:

Public health officials need to work together with medical societies and health organizations to fight the tobacco industry's attempt to preempt local tobacco control ordinances. The industry encourages state lawmakers to pass state laws that prohibit local communities from passing stricter laws. Over 1,000 communities have passed such laws banning smoking in public places and the sale of tobacco to minors. However, 29 state legislatures have passed laws preempting these local laws. Twenty-six such bills were introduced in 1996 alone. Only Maine has successfully repealed their state law preempting local ordinances.

Political activity, Local government, Smoking, Tobacco industry

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