Media release: 11 March, 2004
A new
study of New York bar workers shows their exposure to tobacco smoke toxins
dropped by 85% in just three months of indoor smoke bans.
The
New York Health Department study is tracking the levels of cotinine, a nicotine
by-product, in 49 bar and restaurant workers before and after the total indoor
bans went into effect across New York State in July last year.
Cotinine
testing is used to measure exposure to about sixty known or suspected
carcinogens in tobacco smoke; as well as the likelihood of asthma, respiratory,
ear and other infections.
The
findings have added to calls by Australian trade union and health leaders for
legislation in all states and territories for quick and total indoor smoke bans
in all workplaces, including licensed venues. Says Tim Ferrari, Assistant
National Secretary of the LHMU hospitality union and spokesperson for the
SmokeFree Australia coalition of health and union organisations:
“This
study confirms a wealth of research on this issue, and emphasises what we have
been telling governments across Australia: smoky venues are filling workers’
lungs with poisonous fumes which are causing serious and potentially fatal harm;
and this situation can be simply and effectively reversed by legislation to make
all workplaces indoor-smokefree.
“Research
has shown that other strategies, based on separate areas or ventilation, simply
don’t protect against these dangers.
“The
message for our governments is dead clear: overdue legislation for total indoor
smoke bans will protect workers’ and patrons’ health; will bring pubs and
clubs into line with minimum OHS standards; and will be supported by a large and
increasing majority of public opinion.
“On
the other hand, long deadlines or incomplete bans will reveal governments
putting tobacco-friendly vested interests ahead of work safety, public health
and community wishes.”
See
Syracuse Post-Standard report at
www.syracuse.com/news/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/news-15/1078826176159793.xml
Comment:
Tim Ferrari, LHMU ph. 0425-242-727;
Anne Jones,
ASH Australia ph. 0417-227-879
Media
info/comment: Stafford
Sanders ph. (02)
9334-1823
SmokeFree Australia coalition
for clean safe workplaces:
Liquor,
Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers’ Union; Musicians’ Union of Australia; Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance; Australian Council of
Trade Unions; Action on Smoking and Health Australia; The Cancer Council
Australia; National Heart Foundation of Australia; Australian Council on Smoking
and Health; Non-Smokers’ Movement of Australia; Australian Medical
Association.