ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report saying 60 percent of America's biggest cities are now smoke-free.
By late 2000, only San Jose, CA was covered by such a law.
As of Oct. 5, 2012, 16 of the 50 largest cities were covered by local comprehensive smoke-free laws, and 14 more were covered by state comprehensive smoke-free laws.
Health experts say that smoke-free laws reduce exposure to secondhand smoke, reduce smoking, and improve health, including reducing heart attacks.
In November, North Dakota voters approved the first statewide comprehensive smoke-free law adopted since 2010.
A study called Comprehensive Smoke-Free Laws reported that 10 of the 20 cities without comprehensive smoke-free laws are located in the south.
Click here to learn more.
Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.