§ 20-27-1802 - Findings. - Arkansas Statutes

20-27-1802. Findings.

(1) Information available to the General Assembly based upon scientific research data has shown that nonsmokers often receive damage to their health from the smoking of tobacco by others;

(2) Direct smoking of tobacco and indirect smoking of tobacco through inhaling the smoke of those who are smoking nearby are major causes of preventable diseases and death;

(3) Secondhand smoke is a known cause of lung cancer, heart disease, chronic lung ailments such as bronchitis and asthma, particularly in children, and low birth-weight births;

(4) Implementing laws that prohibit tobacco usage in certain public areas, buildings, and facilities is an effective approach to reducing secondhand smoke exposure among nonsmokers; and

(5) It is therefore declared to be the public policy of this state that the rights of Arkansans be protected in the manner provided in this subchapter.