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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – During December, North Dakota’s smoke-free indoor workplace law marks its first anniversary of making breathing easier and healthier for workers and the public. The North Dakota Center for Tobacco Prevention and Control Policy and Central Valley Health District take this opportunity to thank North Dakotans across the state for making this possible.

The law, which was supported by two-thirds of North Dakota voters, protects everyone from exposure to secondhand smoke in all indoor workplaces. In addition, the law also protects people within 20 feet from entrances of enclosed areas where smoking is not allowed.

The smoke-free law creates a healthy, smoke-free atmosphere for employees and the public in a number of businesses, including: restaurants, bars, truck stops, hotel and motels, charitable gambling and gaming licensed facilities, and many more. In addition, the law also prevents people from using electronic cigarettes or vaping devices within these enclosed areas.

“This law was an important step in protecting the health of all North Dakotans,” said Nancy Neary, with Central Valley Health District. “Everyone benefits from being able to breathe clean air in indoor workplaces and public places.”

According to Jeanne Prom, executive director of the Center, North Dakota’s smoke-free law is an important piece of preventing tobacco use because it demonstrates the public’s support for a tobacco-free lifestyle.

“The people of North Dakota made it clear that the right choice is the healthy choice,” said Prom. “Everyone should have the right to breathe clean air.”

In addition to the immediate health benefits of smoke-free workplaces, the smoke-free law promotes a healthy lifestyle to children by making tobacco use a less acceptable practice.

“Research has shown that when communities enact smoke-free laws, tobacco use becomes less appealing to children because it is perceived as less socially acceptable,” said Neary. “This is important because tobacco companies are turning to new, fruit-flavored products in brightly-colored packaging to attract and addict children.”

To request smoke-free signage for your smoke-free business, or to learn more about North Dakota’s smoke-free law, contact Nancy Neary at 701-252-8130 or go to www.breathend.com.