Tobacco Prevention News
Folks who have been around a while remember what it was like: You would go to a bar or restaurant — even ones with a so-called “smoking section” — and end up breathing in toxic air. And when you got home, your clothes and hair would still smell like tobacco smoke.
This all changed for the better 20 years ago, when legislators from both sides of the aisle joined to pass the Montana Clean Indoor Air Act.
This legislation prohibited smoking in enclosed public places, including workplaces, protecting the health of workers and all Montanans. It recognized that the only way to protect people’s health is to eliminate smoke entirely from indoor spaces.
Marijuana was added to the act when Montanans voted to allow recreational use, but it was not until this past legislative session that leaders added vape. As of this year, no type of smoking, including vaping, is allowed in Montana’s enclosed public places. Secondhand e-cigarette aerosol can contain harmful substances, such as nicotine, ultrafine particles, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing chemicals.
Most employers are happy to have smoke-free spaces. The public prefers them. And if violations occur, there is a good system in place: People can submit a complaint at tobaccofree. mt.gov and a local Tobacco Education Specialist will follow up with the business. Most complaints are resolved with an educational letter.
Let us celebrate this life-saving win, Montana! And if you want to quit smoking, that is a reason to celebrate, too. Take your first step by visiting QuitNow-Montana.com today.
