Smoke-free laws.

States and cities are trying to clear the air. They are passing laws to limit environmental tobacco smoke, or second-hand smoke, which is a combination of smoke from burning cigarettes and exhaled smoke. Research shows that exposure to any level of environmental tobacco smoke is dangerous to health.

All states and the District of Columbia have some sort of indoor smoking restrictions--but they vary widely in their scope. Some laws prohibit smoking in very specific places, such as schools and clay care facilities, government buildings, jury courtrooms, restrooms, workplaces, prisons and public transit.

In recent years, states have been banning smoking in virtually all public places. Also, many cities and municipalities have instituted smoke-free regulations without the help of statewide bans.

Several studies, including one in E1 Paso, Texas, by the Texas Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control, found no decline in total restaurant or bar revenues after a smoking ban took effect. The sales of alcoholic beverages also were not affected by the smoking ban.

STATE SMOKING BANS

Individual states may have additional exemptions.

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SMOKING BANS IN CARS WITH CHILDREN

The newest trend is to prohibit adults from smoking in cars when children are present.

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