MADISON, Wis. -- As the smoking ban debate rages on in Madison, the surgeon general has released a report that reinforces the dangers of smoking in public places.

Watch The Report

According to the report, nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at home or work had a 25 to 30 percent increased risk of heart disease and a 20 to 30 percent increased risk of lung cancer.

The report found that infants and children are especially vulnerable with an added risk of developing respiratory problems, ear infections and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

On the safety of indoor ventilation systems, the report found that filtration and ventilation systems don't eliminate exposure to secondhand smoke.

Six Madison restaurants got a six-month pardon from the smoking ban because they had the ventilation systems, WISC-TV reported.

The report showed that while air-cleaning systems can remove large particles, they miss smaller ones and gases found in second-hand smoke.

"In many ways, I think this report is so important because it really puts the issue to rest. If we want to keep indoor environments safe, we have to make them entirely smoke free," said Dr. Michael Fiore, director of UW-CTRI.

The report identified smoke-free workplace laws as key, especially for workers in restaurants, casinos, bars and hotels.

The surgeon general estimated that more than half of those workers aren't protected against secondhand smoke.

Also, new information published in the Wisconsin Medical Journal showed that women are getting hit hardest by lung cancer.

According to the report, female deaths are up 45 percent, while lung cancer deaths among men are down 11 percent in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Medical Journal experts believe this is a direct result of an increase in smoking among women in the 1980s and 1990s.

Currently, 35 percent of young adults in Wisconsin smoke, which is up from 25 percent 10 years ago.

Related Links:

Surgeon General's Report