Ten years after Ohio voters approved a statewide indoor smoking ban, experts point to a host of resulting benefits But a major decline in adult smoking isn't one of them. The Centers for Disease Control says Ohio's adult smoking rate fell by one point during the last ten years to 22 percent. The national rate is 15 percent. The American Lung Association contends fewer adults would smoke if Ohio raised tobacco taxes and spent more on cessation and prevention programs. Smokers says that's nonsense - they will continue to enjoy the legal product at any cost, even if there were greater access to cessation and prevention programs. Improvements tied to the 10-year-old ban include improved air quality, fewer emergency-room visits for asthma and reduced heart-attack rates. Many bars and restaurants have said the ban has hurt their bottom lines because smokers are choosing to drink and eat at home.
State's Indoor Smoking Ban Hasn't Reduced Adult Smoking
