Statement from the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society (RIFTFS)
Research shows 83% reduction in air pollution in Dublin
pubs…….
The findings of a major Irish study on the reduction in air
pollution and improvement in respiratory health of workers in Irish
pubs as a result of the workplace-smoking ban are published to
day(16th April) in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical
Care Medicine. The study was conducted by RIFTFS in collaboration
with DIT and a research team headed up by Professor Luke Clancy
Director General of the Institute - who is also Chairman of ASH
Ireland.
This is a unique study and one of the largest and detailed ever
conducted on environmental tobacco smoke. The evidence presented by
this research is the most comprehensive available in the world on
the post ban impacts on the respiratory health of bar workers. It
is also significant that the research is now being highlighted all
around the world by way of its publication in a journal, which is
widely accepted as the world's most significant respiratory
journal.
Professor Clancy speaking in Dublin today said, "Our
research, which encompasses the introduction of our workplace
smoking legislation, shows an 83% decrease in air pollution in
Irish pubs and an 80% decrease in airborne carcinogens for both
patrons and staff since the ban was introduced. The findings also
show a highly significant improvement in the respiratory health of
bar workers - one year after the ban was introduced. These finding
once again highlight the importance of the Irish Government's
decision to introduce this health legislation - an initiative which
is being followed all around the world"
The study involved measuring particles and benzene in 42 Dublin
pubs and 73 male bar staff that underwent pre and post ban
pulmonary function studies at St James Pulmonary Laboratory. The
bar staff also answered detailed health questionnaires.
The research also highlights staff reported exposure to
environmental tobacco smoke of 40 hours per week prior to the ban
and 25 minutes per week post ban - representing a 99% decrease in
exposure.
Professor Clancy went on to say, "this research
demonstrates the success of our smoking ban in reducing the
exposure of our bar workers to dangerous air pollution from
secondhand smoke whereas our previous research shows that a
reduction in air pollution from smog in the surrounding air results
in marked health benefits in terms of respiratory and
cardiovascular mortality"