May 16, 2000

Contact: Bonnie Widerburg, (971) 673-1282

NEW STUDY: SMOKEFREE WORKPLACES MAY HELP SMOKERS QUIT

(PORTLAND) A recent increase in no-smoking ordinances in Oregon may do more than protect people from secondhand smoke. Researchers have just learned smokers employed in locations with ordinances restricting smoking were up to 50 percent more likely to quit than smokers in regions with no such laws.

Clay Parton, Tobacco Program Manager with the Department of Human Services, Oregon Health Services, points out workplace-smoking ordinances are primarily enacted to protect everyone from exposure to deadly secondhand smoke. "But," Parton adds, "since we know 75% of smokers really want to quit, workplace smoking bans are a good way to help them do just that."

"People have demanded smoke free workplaces because they know secondhand smoke exposure is deadly. However, this new study points out the fact smoke free workplace policies help both the nonsmoker and the smoker," Parton said.

The study appears in the May issue of the American Journal of Public Health. According to the study, smoke free environments showed a positive effect regardless of race, gender or ethnicity.

Parton said these findings make sense. "A smoker who wants to quit smoking may find it very difficult to do so if he or she has to work in a smoking environment. It is very difficult to quit and return to a workplace that allows smoking."

Oregon's Tobacco Prevention and Education Program is a comprehensive effort to reduce the use of tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke. It includes programs in local communities, schools, businesses, media and special populations. The program is funded by a tobacco tax increase approved by voters in 1996. Ten percent of the new revenue is allocated to tobacco use prevention and reduction. The Oregon Quit Line, a toll-free telephone call, is a cessation counseling service available to Oregonians. To quit tobacco for good, call: 1-877-270-STOP (English), 1-877-2NO FUME (Spanish), or 1-877-777-6534 (TTY).