In 2006, secondhand smoke exposure alone led to excess medical costs of $294 million in 2009 dollars.
Smoke-free public places can limit exposure to secondhand smoke. Transforming Health Together supports and works to increase smoke-free regulations in government grounds and buildings, indoor public places, parks and recreational areas, multi-unit housing, and community colleges, so avoiding second-hand smoke will be easier.
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Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disability nationwide, costing the United States $96 billion in lost productivity and health care expenses every year. In North Carolina, the cost is $288.8 million.
Tobacco-free living has become a top priority as the nation continues to encourage wellness and disease prevention. Living tobacco-free reduces a person’s risk of developing heart disease, various cancers, asthma, and other diseases. Tobacco-free living means avoiding use of all types of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and pipes. It also means living free from secondhand smoke exposure.
Transforming Health Together, in partnership with the Community Transformation Grant Project (CTG Project) is working with state and local partners to support tobacco free initiatives throughout North Carolina.
Our regional partnership will work to implement strategies that support tobacco-free living, with an emphasis on increasing smoke-free local government buildings and indoor public places, tobacco-free government grounds, including parks and recreational areas, smoke-free multi-unit housing and 100% tobacco-free community colleges, state and private university and college campuses.
Secondhand smoke is known to cause heart disease, lung cancer, asthma attacks, and other health problems among otherwise healthy non-smokers. There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke. Tobacco free environments provide a safe and healthy place for community members to live, work, play, and learn!