60% of America’s biggest cities are now smoke-free - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

60% of America’s biggest cities are now smoke-free

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ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report saying 60 percent of America's biggest cities are now smoke-free.

By late 2000, only San Jose, CA was covered by such a law.

As of Oct. 5, 2012, 16 of the 50 largest cities were covered by local comprehensive smoke-free laws, and 14 more were covered by state comprehensive smoke-free laws.

Health experts say that smoke-free laws reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, reduce smoking, and improve health, including reducing heart attacks.

In November, North Dakota voters approved the first statewide comprehensive smoke-free law adopted since 2010.

A study called Comprehensive Smoke-Free Laws reported that 10 of the 20 cities without comprehensive smoke-free laws are located in the south.

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