DOW JONES NEWSWIRES 
 

Smoking bans are effective at reducing the risk of heart disease and heart attacks related to second-hand smoke exposure, according to a study by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.

The report also shows evidence that breathing second-hand smoke boosts nonsmokers' risk for heart problems and that even relatively brief exposures may lead to heart attack.

The report, sponsored by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says an Institute of Medicine committee reviewed published and unpublished data and testimony on the relationship between second-hand smoke and heart problems, determining that smoke-free policies could help reduce the incidence of heart attacks by 6%-47%.

"The repeated finding of decreased heart attack rates overall after bans were implemented conclusively demonstrates that smoke-free policies help protect people from the cardiovascular effects of tobacco smoke," the committee said.

Cigarette companies in the U.S. have seen volumes decline as they have been pushed to boost prices to offset higher federal and state taxes and to make annual payments under a 1998 settlement agreement with states. Bans on smoking in public places and more health-conscious consumers have also contributed to the slide in cigarette volumes. More bans on smoking in public places would be a negative development for the industry.

The three major U.S. cigarette makers Altria Group Inc. (MO), Reynolds American Inc. (RAI) and Lorillard Inc. (LO) are already dealing with higher excise taxes and regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.

-By Nathan Becker and Anjali Cordeiro, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2855; nathan.becker@dowjones.com