LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition (NTPC), comprised of collaborating public health and private partner organizations, is celebrating MGM’s decision to open the Park MGM and NoMad in Las Vegas smoke-free. In addition to enforcing existing smoke-free policies, NTPC challenges all Nevada casinos to implement new and stronger policies to be completely smoke-free.
RELATED: Park MGM reopens this month as Las Vegas Strip's 'only smoke-free casino-resort'
People exposed to secondhand smoke at work have a 25–30% increased risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of Nevadans and we rank 7th highest in the nation for heart disease.
The Nevada Clean Indoor Airt Act of 2006 prohibits smoking in casino areas like public walkways, hallways and corridors but permits smoking on the gaming floor.
PREVIOUS STORY: Should smoking remain when casinos reopen?
Over the last two decades Nevada has seen a consistent reduction in the number of adults who identify as current smokers, with rates declining from 30.3 percent in 1998 to just 15.7 percent in 2018.
Often near the bottom in national health rankings, Nevada is now 23rd in the nation for adult smoking rates (50th is worst).
While our smoking rates have improved greatly, we are still failing to protect employees and guests from secondhand smoke exposure, particularly workplaces like casinos and bars because the Nevada Clean Indoor Air Act exempts these locations.
RELATED: Smoking increase is seen during coronavirus pandemic
