Smoke-free environments have an impact on heart health by:

reducing exposure to second-hand smoke
reducing the number of cigarettes smoked and encouraging people to quit smoking
de-normalising smoking

Exposure to second-hand smoke is associated with immediate and longer term risks for heart disease. Smoke-free environments protect non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke.

We support smoke-free legislation which is working to make all public places and popular outdoor venues, such as dining and drinking areas, completely smoke-free

Benefits of smoke-free environments

A consistent approach is needed across Australia to define and regulate smoke-free areas.

Health benefits of smoke-free environments

Reduced cardiovascular disease, especially decreases in admissions to hospital of people having a heart attack
Improved respiratory health, particularly decreases in asthma incidences and symptoms
During the first year in which smoke-free legislation is in effect, communities have experienced a 15% drop in Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) hospital admissions. This decline reaches 36% by the third year after implementation.*
Younger and non-smoking populations experienced the greatest declines. The Institute of Medicine (U.S.) concluded that there is a causal relationship between indoor smoking bans and reduced AMI risk.
Improved respiratory health, particularly decreases in asthma attacks and symptoms

Economic benefits of smoke-free environments

small positive effects on businesses including restaurants and bars
increases in worker productivity
reduced cleaning and maintenance costs
reduced insurance costs

Smoke-free housing

All Australians have a right to breathe clean air, especially in their own homes. Smoke infiltration is both a health hazard and a nuisance.

There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.

We support current efforts in Queensland that call for changes in strata housing processes to give residents better protection from smoke infiltration.

Additional information on smoke-free environment laws and regulations across Australia (PDF)

*From Economics of Tobacco and Tobacco Control 2016.