Reducing occupation-based disparities related to tobacco: Roles for occupational health and organized labor

Abstract

Background: Persistent and growing occupation-based disparities related to tobacco pose a serious public health challenge. Tobacco exacts a disproportionate toll on individuals employed in working class occupations, due to higher prevalence of smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke among these workers compared to others. Methods: We provide an overview of recent advances that may help to reduce these disparities, including research findings on a successful social contextual intervention model that integrates smoking cessation and occupational health and safety, and a new national effort to link labor unions and tobacco control organizations around their shared interest in reducing tobacco's threat to workers' health. Conclusions: Implications of these efforts for future research and action are discussed. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.