Do smoking bans really prevent people from smoking as much? The evidence isn't conclusive, but it's certainly pointing in that direction.
In Olmsted County, Minnosota, heart attack rates were cut by one-third over
an 8 year review which spanned from 18 months before the first smoking law to
18 months after the latest ordinance. The figures show that the annual heart
attack rate dropped from 151 incidents per 100,000 people to just 100 incidents
per 100,000 people. It is likely that other health risks that arise from
smoking have seen reduced numbers as well. Efforts to restrict
and reduce smoking and second-hand inhalation can significantly impact medical expenses and the healthiness of people. These measures represent positive moves to prevent
disease and ill-health.
Seppa, Nathan. "Smoking laws lower heart attacks." Science
News. December 1, 2012: 18. Print.
