Clean Air
There is no safe level of exposure to commercial tobacco smoke. Secondhand smoke is dangerous and can be deadly.
All people have a right to breathe clean air. Smokefree environments keep people from being exposed to the toxins, and chemicals, released by burning or using commercial tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes. Smokefree environments eliminate all smoking indoors and in common places of gathering, such as parks and rodeos, and are the only proven way to protect people from secondhand smoke exposure.
The Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program (MTUPP) offers model policies, no cost signage and materials, and assistance to any organization wishing to go tobacco-free. For further help and information, find your local tobacco prevention specialist or MTUPP's policy specialist at Contact Us.
In 2005, the Montana legislature passed the Clean Indoor Air Act (CIAA), one of the most important public health policies in state history.
The CIAA requires all:
1) Enclosed public places and workplaces, including work vehicles, or vehicles that serve as a place of work, and vehicles accessible to the public, such as taxis and buses to be smokefree.
2) It requires businesses to prominently place smokefree signs on all public entrances.
The CIAA is a complaint-driven and enforceable law, report a violation online or complete and mail a hard copy form.
The health benefits of the Clean Indoor Air Act are three-fold:
- Patrons and workers alike are protected from the deadly health effects of secondhand smoke exposure.
- More people who smoke will try to quit.
- Fewer Montana youth will begin smoking.
Under federal law, the Clean Indoor Air Act applies on Reservations as follows:
- The CIAA does not apply to public facilities owned and operated by Tribal governments or Tribal members within their reservation of enrollment.
- The CIAA does apply to non-member owned public facilities operating on non-Tribal lands within reservations.
In addition, MCA § 50-40-104, section e states a site that is being used in connection with the practice of cultural activities by American Indians that is in accordance with the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, 42 U.S.C. 1996 and 1996a is exempt.
Localities and organizations can go beyond the state’s smokefree indoor air law protections by prohibiting the use of all forms of harmful tobacco products (i.e., cigarettes, cigars, chew, dissolvables, e-cigarettes, etc.) on properties. Tobacco-free environments prevent secondhand smoke and e-cigarette aerosol exposure, reduce tobacco litter, lower cleanup costs, promote healthy behaviors to youth, and help those who are trying to quit tobacco. MTUPP offers free resources and assistance to all types of organizations wishing to go tobacco-free, including Tobacco-free Events, Tobacco-free Medical Campuses, Tobacco-free Parks, Tobacco- free schools, colleges and universities and worksites. Have any questions or want help to model policies or purchase signs to use in your community? Email us at infotobaccofree@mt.gov or visit our online store.
