At-Risk Populations

Veterans Deserve Protection from Secondhand Smoke

Veterans and Smoke-free Laws

The Grand Haven American Legion in Ottawa County, Michigan was required by a county ordinance to go smoke-free. Despite initial opposition, members quickly began to appreciate the decision. According to the bartender, neither business nor membership was hurt by the law. The American Legion said that even if the law were repealed, the club would most likely remain smoke-free.

Veterans Deserve Protection from Secondhand Smoke

• Only 19.7% of veterans are current smokers
• Veterans are at risk for serious illnesses that are caused or worsened by exposure to secondhand smoke like lung cancer, emphysema and other health complications.
• There are over 7,000 harmful chemicals in secondhand smoke and nearly 70 cause cancer.
• Each year, at least 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur among adult nonsmokers in the U.S. due to exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke increase their risk of heart disease by 25-30%.

Veterans Deserve to Breathe Smoke-free Air

• Everyone, including veterans, deserves the freedom to breathe safe, healthy air. Veterans living in rural areas are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke than those living in urban or suburban areas.
• Despite the fact that few veterans smoke, cessation rates among veterans are lower than the general public.
• Smoke-free policies help veterans quit by providing a more supportive environment in which to stop smoking.

Rural Kentuckians Want a Smoke-free Law!

• Nearly TWO THIRDS of people living in rural Kentucky favor smoke-free policies.
• BUT, rural Kentuckians are less likely to be covered by local smoke- free policies than people living in cities.
• Rural Kentuckians are more likely to be exposed to secondhand smoke at home and work.
• Rural Kentuckians use tobacco more heavily and start using at a younger age than those in urban areas.
• Smoke-free policies save lives by protecting people from the toxins in secondhand smoke.

Resources

Veterans and Smoke-Free Laws

Veterans Deserve Protection from Secondhand Smoke

Rural Kentuckians Want a Smoke-free Law!

Rural Kentucky Deserves Clean Air Too!