State of Nevada, health community celebrate Clean Indoor Air Act anniversary
Submitted by editor on Tue, 12/11/2018 - 4:16pm
CARSON CITY — The arrival of the new year marks Nevada’s 12th year enjoying clean indoor air. The Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act celebrated its official anniversary on Dec. 8, 2018. This anniversary highlights the progress Nevada has made in protecting its citizens against unnecessary health risks while underscoring an active push toward a more comprehensive smoke-free policy.
The NCIAA went into effect in December 2006 after it was passed by Nevada voters in November. The policy has faced many legal challenges since passage, and in 2011, it was amended to exclude establishments prohibiting those under the age of 21 from entering.
Today, the NCIAA protects school and childcare facilities, grocery and convenience stores, shopping malls, video arcades, government and public buildings, restaurants, and movie theaters. The NCIAA continues to encounter challenges as the tobacco industry modernizes, including the development and advancement of e-cigarettes and other vaping products. Maintaining, protecting, and expanding the benefits provided by the NCIAA continues to be a priority for all tobacco control initiatives statewide.
Inhalation of secondhand smoke contributes to chronic diseases experienced traditionally by tobacco users including: asthma, cancer, heart disease, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Health care costs in Nevada directly caused by smoking reach $1.1 billion annually.1 Children are disproportionately impacted by secondhand smoke inhalation; on average, children are exposed to more secondhand smoke than nonsmoking adults. Two of every five children ages three to 11 are exposed to secondhand smoke in the United States.2 The NCIAA seeks to protect the most vulnerable Nevadans.
“As we reflect on the 12th anniversary of Nevada’s Clean Indoor Air Act, we recognize the positive impact this law has had on the health, comfort, and environment of the citizens of Nevada by limiting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Clean air provides a huge return on the public’s investment including reduced health care costs and less lost work and school days.
The Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Section at the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health strives to continue the work of protecting public health by supporting further reduction of secondhand smoke exposure in Nevada,” said Jennifer Bonk, MS, Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Section Manager at the Division of Public and Behavioral Health.
To file a NCIAA violation complaint, please visit Washoe County Health District, Southern Nevada Health District, Carson City Health and Human Services, or call your local health authority.
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