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Mayo Study Highlights Risks of Secondhand Smoke

Thomas3.20.2010
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ROCHESTER, MN -  The American Cancer Society says tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the United States. 

Now, a new study from Mayo Clinic has some startling numbers to back that up. And it brings attention to dangers of exposure to secondhand smoke.

"450,000 Americans every year die of tobacco-caused disease, and that's like three fully loaded 747s crashing everyday, 365 days a year, with no survivors," said Dr. Richard Hurt.

Dr. Hurt is the Director of the Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic. He said that statistic shows how deadly smoking can be. And being around secondhand smoke isn't much better.

"If you're exposed to secondhand smoke at work or at home on a regular basis, that'd be like smoking 9 to 10 cigarettes per day," said Dr. Hurt.

In 2002, Olmsted county enforced a no smoking ban in all there bars and restaurants. In 2007, the county made all workplaces completely smoke free. That same year, Minnesota enforced a ban on smoking in all bars and restaurants across the state.

"It brings out more customers, more families are coming out to eat which is nice, more younger people," said David Mord.

Mord is the general manager of the Green Mill in Albert Lea. He said the smoking ban has not only brought in more business, but it has also created a healthier work environment.

"I come home and I smell good now. I like to smell the grease instead of smoke on me," Mord said.

And the positive impacts include a healthier lifestyle. A recent Mayo Clinic study looked at people in Olmsted County before and after the county banned smoking in the workplace.

"Our study showed that there was a 45 percent reduction in the incidence of heart attacks from 18 months before to 18 months after," Dr. Hurt said.

And he said the study found something even more startling.

"There was a reduction of 50 percent, 50 percent reduction in sudden cardiac death from 18 months before to 18 months after the smoke free workplace laws, and that's a really remarkable figure," said Dr. Hurt.

And he says these numbers aren't something to be taken lightly.

"If you're interested in not having a heart attack, if you're interested in not dropping dead, then being exposed to second hand smoke is something you should be concerned about," said Dr. Hurt.

Dr. Hurt said that while everyone should limit their exposure to second hand smoke, folks with known heart disease should have zero exposure.

Based on this study, Mayo Clinic is going to recommend that health care professionals consider second hand smoke as another risk factor for heart disease.

About the Author
63 years old. 20 year smoker. 11 Years FREE! Diagnosed with COPD. Choosing a Quality LIFE! It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. -Galatians 5:1