Report Highlights Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Nonsmoking Workers

摘要

A study published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report focuses on workplace secondhand smoke exposure among U.S. nonsmokers. Secondhand smoke exposure contributes to health issues such as heart disease, lung cancer and stroke. The study found that despite implementation of smoke-free laws, secondhand smoke continues to affect nonsmoking workers employed in certain industries.In 2015, 19.9% of nonsmoking workers reported exposure to workplace secondhand smoke during the past year; 10.1% reported frequent exposure. Workers who reside in states with comprehensive smoke-free laws in all three venue categories (private work sites, restaurants and bars) reported a significantly lower prevalence of frequent exposure to workplace secondhand smoke. In all states, self-reported workplace secondhand smoke was highest in the commercial and industrial machinery and equipment subcategory within the repair and maintenance industries category, followed by the transportation industry (i.e., air, rail, pipeline, scenic and sightseeing). The construction industry category had the highest number of nonsmoking workers reporting secondhand smoke exposure.