Coverage of Indoor Smoking and Vaping Restrictions in the U.S., 1990-2021

Secondhand smoke exposure increases the risk of premature death and disease in children and non-smoking adults. As a result, many U.S. states and local jurisdictions have enacted comprehensive indoor smoking restrictions (ISR). Indoor vaping restrictions (IVR) have also been adopted to protect against exposure to secondhand e-cigarette aerosol. This study aimed to quantify state and national U.S. coverage of policies restricting indoor cigarette and e-cigarette use over time.

Data from the American Nonsmokers Rights' Foundation on U.S. ISR from 1990 to 2021 and IVR from 2006 to 2021 were analyzed. Combining these data with 2015 U.S. Census population estimates, the percentage of state and national residents covered by partial and comprehensive restrictions in bars, restaurants, and workplaces, were calculated (analysis in 2023-2024) over time.

Between 1990 and 2021, national coverage of comprehensive ISR increased for bars (0% to 67.3%), restaurants (0%-78.2%), and workplaces (0%-77.5%). Partial ISR coverage decreased for bars (14.8%-13.9%), restaurants (40.2%-15.4%) and workplaces (40.2%-22.5%). From 2006 to 2021, comprehensive IVR coverage increased for bars (0%-43.5%), restaurants (0%-51.5%), and workplaces (0%-53.2%). Despite these increases in coverage, by the end of 2021, <50% of the population was protected by comprehensive ISR for bars, restaurants, and workplaces in 19, 12, and 14 states, respectively.

The percentage of the U.S. population protected by ISR and IVR has increased over time. However, gaps in coverage remain, which may contribute to disparities in tobacco-related disease and death.