It's been just over six months since Minnesota became the 17- th state to ban smoking in all bars and restaurants.

Julie Pearce has more on how its benefiting people's health.

"This is serious stuff, this is people's health, and it really is a very serious issue."

The "Freedom to Breathe Act" was based on health concerns over second hand smoke, and tangible evidence is now backing that up.

Pat McCone with the American Lung Association reports that, "There was a huge reduction after the law in these workers where their only exposure was at work."

More specifically, the study conducted by the University of Minnesota shows that levels of nicotine and a known carcinogen have dropped 80- percent in non-smoking bar and bowling alley workers since the law's implementation.

McCone has also observed an increase in people's general understanding of the health risks associated with second hand smoke, "And I think awareness of second hand smoke and people taking efforts to say, 'you know if it's this bad if your in here, then maybe we should take it outside when we're at home and maybe we should not smoke in the car too.'"

Meanwhile, people's tolerance for smoke seems to have decreased.

"When people say to me, you know I forgot how bad it smelled when people leave the state, definitely that has changed."

In Duluth, Julie Pearce, the Northland's NewsCenter.

The ban still doesn't cover casinos or other establishments on Native American land.