Mott hospital poll: Adults support bans to protect children from secondhand smoke

A new poll conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital revealed strong support from adults for smoking bans to protect young children from secondhand smoke.

The National Poll on Children’s Health found 82 percent of adults support it being illegal to smoke in cars when there are children under the age of 13 present. Seven states have such a smoking ban: Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Maine, Utah, Oregon and Illinois.

“Smoke is a real health hazard for kids whose lungs are still developing, and especially for kids who have illnesses like asthma where the lungs are particularly fragile and flare up when exposed to secondhand smoke,” said Dr. Matthew M. Davis in a statement.

Davis is the founding director of the poll, and was named as the Chief Medical Executive for the Michigan Department of Community Health this spring.

About 75 percent of those surveyed said smoking bans are needed in homes where children are living with lung conditions like asthma.

Davis is advocating for public health officials and legislators to now consider such bans on smoking in homes because of the high level of public support found in the survey.

Bans on smoking in public places are in place in 40 of the 50 states.

Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.