Secondhand Smoke Exposure and Attitudes Toward Smoke-Free Policies in Workplaces

Audience: Tobacco control advocates, researchers, policy makers

Key Points: This study examined the national and state-specific prevalence of self-reported secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in workplaces among nonsmokers and attitudes toward smoke-free workplace policies among smokers and nonsmokers.  Data came from the National Adult Tobacco Survey (NATS), a population-based survey of U.S. adults ages 18 years and older. Nationally, 20.4% (95% CI 19.6-21.2) of employed nonsmokers reported exposure to secondhand smoke at work; state-based estimates of workplace SHS exposure among nonsmokers ranged from 12.4% (Maine) to 30.8% (Nevada). Nonsmokers exposed to workplace SHS were more likely to be male, black, Hispanic, younger, and less educated. Nationally, 81.6% (95% CI 81.2-82.1) of all respondents reported that smoking at work should never be allowed indoors [87.0% (95: CI 86.5-87.4) of nonsmokers and 59.4% (95% CI 57.9-60.9) of smokers]. Fewer respondents reported that smoking at work should never be allowed outdoors [28.4% (95% CI 27.7-29.0) of nonsmokers and 5.8% (95% CI 5.0-6.6) of smokers].

Educational Experience: This presentation provides national and state-specific estimates of workplace SHS exposure among nonsmokers and attitudes toward smoke-free workplace policies among smokers and nonsmokers. These data can be used to develop educational and policy initiatives to implement and/or strengthen comprehensive smoke-free policies in worksites.

Benefits: This presentation shows the current prevalence of workplace SHS exposure among U.S. adults and the considerable state-to-state variability in these estimates. It also shows strong support for smoke-free policies in indoor work settings but suggests less support for such policies in outdoor work settings.