Smoking ban impact

Bans on smoking in workplaces and other public places have had a bigger impact on preventing heart attacks than ever expected, new research has revealed.

Smoking bans cut the number of heart attacks in Europe and North America by at least a quarter (26%) and possibly by a third, studies published in Circulation and in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology have revealed. This so-called “heart gain” is greater than the 10% figure quoted by the Department of Health.

James Lightwood, lead researcher from the University of California at San Francisco, said: “Passing 100% smoke-free laws in all workplaces and public places is something we can do to protect the public.”