The Maryland State Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA): A Guide for the Public
ABOUT THE CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT (CIAA) OF 2007
The Clean Indoor Air Act of 2007 prohibits smoking in virtually all indoor workplaces in order to “preserve and improve the health, comfort, and environment of the people of Maryland by limiting exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.”
The law provides for fair and consistent statewide protection from exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor settings. People in Maryland will now have clean, smoke-free air while working, dining, shopping, or relaxing throughout the state.
WHAT IS COVERED UNDER THE (CIAA) ACT
As of February 1, 2008, there will be smoke-free air in almost all indoor places open to the public, including bars and restaurants.
The Act prohibits smoking in the following places:
- Indoor areas open to the public
- Indoor meeting places open to the public
- Indoor places of employment
- Mass transit vehicles
- Private homes or residences being used by a licensed day care or child care provider
- Private vehicles used for the public transportation of children or as part of health care or day care transportation
- Clubs with alcohol licenses (under Article 2B, §1-102(a)(4), Annotated Code of Maryland)
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WHAT IS REQUIRED OF BUSINESSES
All businesses must prohibit smoking within their facilities.
Signs stating that smoking is prohibited must be posted in the following facilities:
- Retail stores
- Concert halls
- Financial service institutions
- Educational institutions
- Libraries
- Clubs as defined in Article 2B §1-102(a)(4), Annotated Code of Maryland
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- Theaters
- Athletic facilities
- Government buildings
- Museums
- Hotels and Motels
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Signs must be conspicuously posted at each entrance and in prominent locations inside the establishment.
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PUBLIC PLACES WHERE SMOKING IS STILL ALLOWED
Smoking may still be permitted in tobacco shops, outdoor areas of bars and restaurants, and up to 25 percent of a hotel’s or motel’s guest rooms. In addition, the Act does not ban smoking outdoors. However, some jurisdictions may have stricter ordinances and some specific businesses may be exempt or have a temporary waiver from some requirements of the Act. Look for signs in each establishment for guidance.
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BE AWARE OF SECONDHAND SMOKE
Secondhand smoke comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar, or pipe containing tobacco – as well as the smoke exhaled by smokers.
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WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO ELIMINATE EXPOSURE TO SECONDHAND SMOKE
Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona reported that secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including at least 69 that are cancer-causing.
Up to 62,000 nonsmokers in the U.S. die each year from secondhand smoke-related causes.
Smoking is a serious health hazard that is a proven cause of disease including lung cancer, heart disease, bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
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HOW TO FILE A COMPLAINT IF SMOKING IS SEEN IN A PUBLIC PLACE
Complaints concerning the CIAA can be made:
Note the type of establishment when sending a complaint:
FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
Food Protection Program
Division of Environmental Health
Prince George’s County Health Department
Largo Government Center
9201 Basil Court, Suite 318
Largo MD 20774
E-mail: FoodProtectionProgram@co.pg.md.us
Phone: 301-883-7690
Fax: 301-883-7601
CHILD DAY CARE CENTERS
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Child Care Administration
807 Brightseat Road
Landover MD 20785
E-mail: sharon.chester@msde.state.md.us
Phone: 301-333-6940 DIAL 0
Fax: 301-499-6999
EMPLOYEE AGAINST AN EMPLOYER OR WITHIN A WORK PLACE
Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH)
1100 North Eutaw Street, Room 611
Baltimore MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-2189
Fax: 410-333-5240
ALL OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS
Environmental Engineering Program
Division of Environmental Health
Prince George’s County Health Department
Largo Government Center
9201 Basil Court, Suite 318
Largo MD 20774
E-mail: EnvironEngProgram@co.pg.md.us
Phone: 301-883-7681
Fax: 301-883-7266
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HOW THE CLEAN INDOOR AIR ACT IS ENFORCED
The CIAA is locally enforced by the Division of Environmental Health, Prince Georges County Health Department using County Regulations for enforcement within restaurants and bars and the State Clean Indoor Air Act for most other establishments. The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Child Care Administration will be the enforcing agency for violations involving day care centers. For violations within a working place, MOSH will be the enforcing agency
Enforcement will be made through educational processes and through Letters of Reprimand and fines.
Please obey posted signs identifying areas where smoking is not allowed.
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NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO QUIT SMOKING!
When you’re ready to quit:
These FREE smoking education and cessation services for residents are provided by local health departments and the Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
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OTHER LINKS
For more information about the Clean Indoor Air Act, go to internet site:
Community Health Administration
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH):
http://www.mdcleanair.org
For more information about tobacco use prevention, cessation and other resources, visit the following internet sites:
Tobacco Control Program
Division of Addictions and Mental Health
Prince George's County Health Department:
http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/AgencyIndex/Health/tobacco.asp
National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information:
http://www.health.org
American Lung Association:
http://www.lungusa.org
The National Partnership for Smoke-Free Families:
http://www.smokefreefamilies.org
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/
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