Noncommunicable Diseases
Implementing smoke-free policies and regulations in public places
Protecting residents and vulnerable populations from secondhand smoke
Implemented in New York City under Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in 2003, smoke-free policies have since been adopted in over 1,000 cities across 74 countries. This intervention includes creating policies to ban smoking in public places coupled with public education campaigns about harmful impacts. These efforts have been found to significantly decrease or eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke, improving and saving lives—including preventing 10,000 premature deaths in New York City.
The Impact:
- Smoke-free policies have been adopted in over 1,000 cities across 74 countries.
- Cities with smoke-free policies significantly decreased or even eliminated exposure to secondhand smoke.
- In New York City, smoking bans prevented 10,000 premature deaths.
What you can do with this idea:
- Establish and strengthen city policies to protect residents from the impact of smoking.
- Reduce high levels of smoking in public spaces, limiting exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Launch public information campaigns to reduce smoking, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Download Fact Sheet: