Smoking Bans

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While smokers face a higher risk of developing lung cancer, nonsmokers are also at risk, especially if they are exposed to secondhand smoke. Exposure to secondhand smoke claims the lives of nearly 50,000 nonsmoking adults each year, most notably from lung cancer and heart disease. Due to the severe health consequences related to secondhand smoke, smoking bans have become increasingly important. Already, 25 states have joined in as "smoke-free states," with 11 states – including Texas – considering smoke-free regulations. Although Texas does not currently have a statewide smoking ban, smoking bans exist in many cities throughout the state.

Statistics

• Smoking bans have been linked to improved heart health. Two recent studies found that heart attack rates fell by up to 17 percent in communities with smoking bans.
• Cities with active smoking bans cover more than 6.4 million Texans, or about 37 percent of all Texas residents.
• There are currently 30 Texas cities with a "comprehensive" smoking ban, meaning that the city is entirely smoke-free in worksites, restaurants, and bars.

Comprehensive Smoking Bans in Texas

In addition to the 30 smoke-free Texas cities, 232 Texas cities have some form of a smoking ban, ranging from "Moderate," with designated smoking areas and separate ventilation, to "Limited," with designated smoking areas allowed or mandated.

For information on smoking bans at the state, county, and city level, see the American Cancer Society’s How Do You Measure Up? 2009 report here.

Sources: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Smoke-Free Texas, Texas Department of State Health Services, and University of Texas Medical Branch 

Updated 02/04/10