Extinguishing the tobacco epidemic in Louisiana

LOUISIANA KEY FACTS In 2015, 31.4% of U.S. high school youth reported currently using any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes. Among U.S. high school youth, 10.8% reported currently smoking cigarettes. PUBLIC HEALTH RESPONSE TO TOBACCO USE IN LOUISIANA There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. It causes stroke, lung cancer, and coronary heart disease in adults. While Louisiana has a statewide smoke-free law that prohibits smoking in workplaces and restaurants, the state law continues to allow smoking in bars and casinos. Upon request, the state provides research, data and analysis, and scientific consultation to communities, multiunit housing operators, hospitals, businesses, and colleges and universities that want to protect residents from secondhand smoke. In 2015, New Orleans adopted a comprehensive smoke-free law that prohibits smoking and electronic cigarette use in all indoor areas of workplaces and public places, including all hotel rooms, restaurants, bars, and casinos. With the adoption of this law, New Orleans became the largest city in the U.S. to prohibit smoking in casinos. With the adoption of the New Orleans law, 11% of Louisiana residents are now protected by comprehensive smoke-free policies. For more information on tobacco prevention and control, visit cdc.gov/tobacco.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection