Smoke-Free Homes Are Becoming More Popular
Just forty years ago, an average of forty two percent of the population smoked tobacco. Most of these smokers engaged in smoking indoors- many in their homes. Second hand smoke was not as understood and the population was not as aware of the consequences and side effects. However, the number of individuals who smoke tobacco has decreased over the years and has, in turn, produced more smoke-free homes. In fact, a recent study shows that eighty three percent of homes are now smoke free. This is a victory for those who have fought against second hand smoke for so many years.
Experts attribute the increase in smoke-free homes to the changes in social attitudes and norms. Research is very clear on the dangers of tobacco smoke and people are paying heed. Socially, it is frowned upon to be a smoker, where it once was glamorized years ago. Another major contributor is simply that many pubic places no longer allow smoking indoors, like restaurants, movie theaters, and social halls. Because of this, many smokers kick the habit while they are in those public places and are able to carry that determination to quit with them once they are at home as well. Furthermore, smoking is prohibited in almost all social areas, like restaurants and movie theaters. Ideally, smoking tobacco will not be present in any homes in the future, providing a more clean and safe area for those who reside there that have no control over whether or not their home is smoke-free.