(WTVR) – Doctors say laws banning smoking in public places actually save lives.
California researchers reviewed 45 studies covering smoke-free laws and found hospitalizations for heart attacks and strokes dropped 15 percent in states and cities with public bans.
There were also fewer emergency room visits for people with breathing conditions.
Currently, Virginia does not have any outdoor smoking bans.
However, the state does prohibit smoking in bars and restaurants, unless they have a separate room for it.
Some employers, like some area hospitals, also restrict workers from smoking on campus.
