OUACHITA PARISH, La. (KNOE) - New data shows that smoke-free ordinances are making a difference in the fight against lung cancer, including in Ouachita Parish.

According to the Louisiana Cancer Program, parishes that enacted smoke-free ordinances are seeing some of the biggest declines in tobacco-related cancers.

Officials with the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living say bars in Ouachita Parish are one of the ways people are exposed to more than 70 cancer causing chemicals found in smoke.

From 2015 to 2022, Ouachita Parish experienced a 4.6 percent drop in lung cancer rates, which is nearly three times the statewide average.

Regional Manager with the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, Jennifer Haneline says local policies are making a real impact.

“West Monroe, Monroe

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