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DPH Announces 577 Fewer MA Heart Attack Deaths Annually After Smoke-Free Workplace Law in Effect

A new study from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Harvard School of Public Health shows that Massachusetts heart attack deaths dropped dramatically after the statewide Smoke-Free Workplace Law was implemented in

2004.

Researchers say that there were approximately 577 fewer heart attack deaths than expected annually since July, 2005 (a year after the law was implemented), and that the reduction in cardiovascular deaths was most likely influenced by reduced exposure to secondhand smoke.

Though heart attack deaths have been dropping since the mid-1990s due to improved cardiac care and other factors, the study took these variables into account, along with seasonality, flu epidemics, air pollution, and other cardiac risk factors.

Researchers found that, though heart attack deaths did decline overall, a strong smoke-free law was the single factor that indicated a sharp decline in Massachusetts heart

attack deaths.

An independent study funded by the Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program also found 94% compliance with the statewide smoke-free law.

The four-year report of the success of the Workplace Law is available at www.mass.gov/dph/mtcp.

DPH Commissioner John Auerbach praised the Legislature for passing the law, and said, “This type of study is important because it provides evidence that public health policy and initiatives can save lives. They also reduce health care costs, which is especially important in this age of health care reform.”

Download a fact sheet about the study.