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

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. (C) 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.