Second-Hand Smoke Still a Concern in Some Demographics

Half as many American nonsmokers are exposed to secondhand smoke now as a decade ago, but federal researchers remain concerned about high exposure among black nonsmokers, especially children, and people living below the poverty level.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention unveiled a report Tuesday saying that 58 million Americans were exposed to secondhand smoke in 2011 to 2012, or about one in four nonsmokers. The total is down from about one in two nonsmokers who were exposed to secondhand smoke in 1999 to 2000. Researchers credit mostly smoke-free laws in 26 states and 700 cities for the decrease.

Come April 1st, even New Orleans joins the smoke free ranks, prohibiting smoking in bars and casinos. ABC’s Scott Goldberg joined us from New York.

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