Parker Waichman LLP

Study Places Price Tag for Secondhand Smoke at $10 Billion

  The effects of secondhand smoke exposure. According to a recent study by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) the effects of secondhand smoke exposure are costing the U.S. about $10 billion dollars annually in medical bills, lost wages, and health-related services. These figures were determined through a careful review by the SOA and a researcher […]

Secondhand Smoke

 

The effects of secondhand smoke exposure. According to a recent study by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) the effects of secondhand smoke exposure are costing the U.S. about $10 billion dollars annually in medical bills, lost wages, and health-related services.

These figures were determined through a careful review by the SOA and a researcher at Georgia State University business school of more than 200 studies published since 1964.

The SOA (http://www.soa.org) is an educational and research organization of business professionals who analyze the financial consequence of risk in order to provide expert advice and relevant solutions for financial, business, and societal problems.

The study, which is one of the first to address the overall economic effects of secondhand smoke exposure, determined the costs of the various illnesses attributable to or associated with secondhand smoke including lung cancer, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome, spontaneous abortion, and chronic pulmonary and coronary artery diseases.

The estimated direct medical costs for secondhand smoke per year in the U.S. totaled $4.982 billion. Some of the most costly diseases were lung cancer ($1.91 billion), asthma ($773 million), chronic pulmonary disease ($1.215 billion), and coronary heart disease ($2.452 billion). The total cost for lost wages and fringe benefits from these diseases was $4.683 billion.

The researchers also connected secondhand smoke exposure in the home and in public space

The researchers also connected secondhand smoke exposure in the home and in public space to an increased incidence of disease and documented the number additional cases caused by these types of exposure.
Donald Behan, Fellow of the SOA and lead researcher for the project, said that while not as dangerous as firsthand smoke, secondhand exposure to tobacco presents a very serious and costly health risk.

According to Behan: “While the health effects of secondhand smoke are reduced in comparison to active smoking, the number of people exposed is so large that the costs are substantial. As our research shows, even though exposure to secondhand smoke has been greatly reduced over the last 15 years, it remains a public health concern with an economic impact in the U.S. of many billions of dollars per year.”

Although this study probably will not have an impact on current litigation against the tobacco industry or individual tobacco companies, Edward L. Sweda, senior attorney with the Tobacco Products Liability Project at Northeastern University School of Law (Boston, Massachusetts) believes that pinning down the costs of secondhand smoke may be helpful in the public-policy debate.

It could also lead to separate insurance premium pricing for nonsmokers who have been exposed to environmental smoke. According to Tim Harris, a member of the SOA board of governors, health insurers may institute higher charges for those exposed to secondhand smoke. At the moment, tests for secondhand smoke inhalation are not very reliable but insurance companies could ask specific questions about exposure to determine those at greater risk.

Need Legal Help Regarding Secondhand Smoke Exposure?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
This is a quality organization. My paralegal, Tina Morace ,has shown incredible expertise in the handling of my VCF claim. She has kept me jinformed every step of the way and has offered her expert advice as appropriate. She has made a real difference during this trying time.
Nicholas Mannarino
6 months ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Mindy Gallagher
a year ago
5 Star Reviews 150
My Experience with the lawyer Jessie Salcedo has been excellent, she has helped me at all times and answered any questions I had at some point. Thank you! Jessie Salcedo Paralegal Parker Waichman LLP
Keisha Reyes
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038