The policy prohibits smoking in the workplace and public buildings, and in the year since the policy has been in place, county health officials say there's been a major health benefit.
Dr. Robert Glandon says second hand smoke has been proven to cause lung problems for non-smokers, and by eliminating smoking at work and in public buildings, exposure to second-hand smoke decreases.
The Ingham County Board of Commissioners researched the policy for two years before it was implemented. Commissioner Victor Celentino says it has been a smooth implementation and has cost the county about $200.
Area health care workers report there has been an increase in the number of people trying to quit smoking this year. Twenty-three percent of adults over 18 report being smokers in Ingham County, a number the county would like to decrease.
Since Ingham County passed this policy, Washtenaw County passed a similar ordinance, and Marquette County is considering a policy, too.
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