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Smoking bans linked to cut in heart risk 

In Pennsylvania, it's been more than a year since a smoking ban took effect in most businesses and public places and the law's supporters welcome evidence that it will result in better health conditions.

A major report, released by the Institute of Medicine last month, confirmed what health officials long have believed: Bans on smoking in restaurants, bars and other gathering spots reduce the risk of heart attacks among nonsmokers. . . .

"The evidence is clear," said Dr. Thomas Frieden, head of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which requested the study. "Smoke-free laws don't hurt business ... but they prevent heart attacks in nonsmokers."

Among the report's conclusions: While heavier exposure to secondhand smoke is worse, there's no safe level. It also cited "compelling" if circumstantial evidence that even less than an hour's exposure might be enough to push someone already at risk of a heart attack over the edge. . . .

Pennsylvania's Clean Indoor Air Act went into effect Sept. 11, 2008, and monitoring its effect on people is one local group, Tobacco Free Allegheny. The group's executive director, Cindy Thomas, commented on the IOM report:

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