Smoking in areas where it is prohibited by law is a serious offense that can lead to hefty fines and other consequences. In Ellisville, Mississippi, the Smoke Free Law is in effect and those who violate it can face serious repercussions. This article will discuss the consequences of violating the Smoke Free Law in Ellisville, Mississippi, as well as the health hazards associated with second-hand smoke and the economic impact of smoke-free laws. Breaking the Smoke Free Law in Ellisville, Mississippi can result in a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $500. In addition to this, businesses that violate the law may have their permits or licenses suspended or revoked.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted an assessment of the health hazards of Las Vegas casino employees' exposure to second-hand smoke in the workplace. This included indoor air quality testing and biomarker evaluations. The results showed that casino employees are exposed to dangerous levels of second-hand smoke at work and that their bodies absorb high levels of specific tobacco chemicals (NNK) and cotinine during work shifts. Other approaches such as air ventilation systems and separate sections for smokers and non-smokers do not eliminate exposure to second-hand smoke. The Institute of Medicine of the National Academies reviewed eleven studies that concluded that communities see an immediate reduction in heart attack admissions following the implementation of comprehensive anti-smoking laws.
The data consistently demonstrate that exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attacks and that anti-smoking laws reduce heart attacks. Numerous economic analyses have examined restaurant and hotel revenues and controlled for economic variables. These studies showed no difference or had a positive economic impact following the enactment of laws requiring workplaces to be smoke-free. Studies that measure cotinine (metabolized nicotine) and NNAL (metabolized nitrosamine NNK, a specific carcinogen in tobacco related to lung cancer) in hospitality workers show dramatic decreases in the levels of these biomarkers after the entry into force of an anti-smoking law. Tobacco smoke contributes greatly to indoor air pollution and breathing second-hand smoke (also known as ambient tobacco smoke) is a cause of illness in healthy non-smokers, such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, and lung cancer. During periods of active smoking, maximum and average levels of outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS) measured in cafés and patios of restaurants and outdoor bars near smokers rival indoor tobacco smoke concentrations. The owner, manager, operator or employee of an area regulated by this law will order the person who smokes in violation of this law to turn off the product being smoked. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has determined that the risk of acute myocardial infarction and coronary heart disease associated with exposure to tobacco smoke is not linear at low doses but increases rapidly with relatively small doses.
All patients with an increased risk of coronary heart disease or with known coronary artery disease should avoid all indoor environments that allow smoking. Business owners have no legal or constitutional right to expose their employees and customers to the toxic chemicals in second-hand smoke. It is illegal to smoke within twenty feet away from entrances, operable windows and ventilation systems in enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited, to prevent tobacco smoke from entering those areas. More and more Mississippi cities vote to quit smoking every year, recognizing the value it brings to residents and visitors. Violating the Smoke Free Law can have serious consequences for individuals as well as businesses. It is important for everyone to be aware of their local laws regarding smoking so they can make informed decisions about their health and safety.
