| Abstract: |
All of us have been exposed to secondhand smoke at one time or another. And, most of us have experienced itchy throats, irritated eyes, or smoky clothes as a result of that exposure. In fact, a 2003 survey shows that Nebraskans are increasingly aware of the unhealthy effects of secondhand smoke and believe that smoking shouldn't be allowed in many public places.
"In 2000, the Tobacco Free Nebraska program conducted the Social Climate Survey that established a baseline of tobacco behaviors and attitudes in Nebraska," said Sandy Thomas, Tobacco Prevention Coordinator in Cass County. "In 2003, the Adult Tobacco Survey/Social Climate Survey was administered as a follow-up and asked many of the same questions. In February, a separate survey was conducted in Cass County with comparable results."
"One of the things we wanted to gauge with the surveys was the level of support among Nebraskans for smoke-free public places," said Thomas. "Among each of the public areas asked about in the Social Climate survey, there was an increase in support from 2000 to 2003."
The 2003 survey showed:
• Nearly two-thirds (65%) of Nebraskans agreed that restaurants should not allow smoking - up from 54.6% in 2000.
• 87% of Nebraskans said that smoking should not be allowed at indoor sporting events - up from 74.6% in 2000.
• 84% said that smoking should not be allowed in convenience stores - up from 73.6% in 2000.
The Cass County Secondhand Smoke Survey showed:
• 75% agreed that everyone should have a smoke-free place to work.
• 73% agreed that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke.
• 58% of Cass County said that food, drink and atmosphere being equal, they would choose a smoke-free restaurant or bar over one that allows smoking.
“The number of Nebraskans and Cass County residents that understand the deadly effects of secondhand smoke continues to rise.” said Thomas. “In cooperation with the Tobacco Free Nebraska Program, local coalitions have made an impact on public knowledge and opinion.”
Secondhand smoke is a combination of the smoke given off by the burning ends of cigarettes, cigars, and pipes and the smoke exhaled by someone who is smoking.
Cass County TAD is a collaborative effort that focuses on keeping youth from starting to use tobacco, reducing access to tobacco products, and increasing awareness about the dangers of second-hand smoke. It's funded by the Nebraska Health and Human Services System/Tobacco Free Nebraska Program as a result of the tobacco master settlement agreement.
The report, "Nebraskans' Attitudes Toward Secondhand Smoke and Their Support for Smoking Restrictions in Public Places," can be found on the Web at www.hhs.state.ne.us/tfn/SHS_03.pdf.
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