Evaluation of Non-Comprehensive Clean Indoor Air Law

Audience: Those involved with planning, administration, implementation and/or evaluation of clean indoor air policies/laws. Key Points: Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act (PA CIAA) took effect in September 2008. Since 2008, the Pennsylvania Alliance to Control Tobacco (PACT) has organized the PA CIAA evaluation including studies of compliance, public opinion, air quality, economic impact, and soon, health impact. PA CIAA is not comprehensive, as it allows for multiple exemptions, so both short- and long-term studies have examined issues related to exemptions and the potential for disparities. Key points include: 1) Clean air law evaluation should include multiple studies to follow best practices and to inform conversations with various stakeholders; and 2) Each type of study has specific benefits and challenges that should be discussed during planning so that expectations and realities align. Educational Experience: This session will review findings from each PA CIAA-related study and discuss how these findings were used in planning and communication efforts, particularly those related to strengthening the law. Participants will be able to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each type of study as they plan for and prioritize future clean air evaluations. Benefits: Discussion about the impacts of clean air laws is critical, especially as many places are still working to pass a law or strengthen a law. The results of PA CIAA evaluations can inform new clean air laws in states and local areas, as well as those areas considering revision of legal provisions that allow exemptions.