As municipalities ban smoking at workplaces and in public buildings, evidence of the benefits are beginning to appear in the press.

Dallas

• A steep decline in heart attacks
• In the 18 months after a no-smoking ordinance took effect in Pueblo in 2003, hospital admissions for heart attacks for city residents dropped 27%

San Francisco

• After the law went into effect bartenders experienced a substantial reduction in respiratory symptoms of eye, nose and throat irritation symptoms

Scotland

• Significant improvements in respiratory symptoms and lung function within 2 months following a ban on smoking in confined public places

I am aware of no reports where health was adversely affected by smoking bans.

10/12/06 20:45 JR