Media release: May 8, 2007
Pub, club and restaurant workers face
continued health-threatening levels of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure in
outdoor areas, says a major new Stanford University research study.
The
authors also point to asthma and heart sufferers and children as being
especially at risk.
The
study, just published in the US Journal of the Air and Waster Management
Association,* is believed to be
the first in-depth investigation of how smoking affects air quality in al
fresco dining and other outdoor locations.
Among its findings:
Smoke particle levels near smokers outdoors can reach “comparable”
levels with known harmful indoor passive exposure.
Exposure levels are “highly dependent” on proximity and wind
conditions.
Outdoor dining or bar workers spending significant time close to smokers
“are likely to receive relatively large total [SHS] exposures over the
course of a day”, possibly exceeding recommended safety limits.
Short-term exposures in these conditions “might be life-threatening for
high-risk persons” such as heart or coronary artery disease sufferers or
asthmatics.
Children brought into smoking areas “may experience substantial
exposure”.
Commenting
on the findings, the SmokeFree Australia coalition of employee and health
groups** pointed to the need to tighten smokefree laws in most Australian states
and territories to fully separate smoking from working areas and to proactively
control smoke drift.
Says
co-ordinator Stafford Sanders: “This
study confirms previous research showing the danger cannot be safely addressed
by knocking out a bit of wall and letting the exposure drag on.
“We
didn’t handle asbestos this way, and neither can we with tobacco smoke.
“We
ask all governments to meet with us urgently to discuss how the present unsafe
loopholes can be closed, and how any remaining smoking areas might be made
separate and unserviced.
“Members
of our coalition would appreciate active consultation in this - since it is they
who are representing the people most at risk.”
*
see full study at www.ashaust.org.au/pdfs/OutdoorSHS0705.pdf
Comment:
Stafford Sanders, SmokeFree Australia
ph. (02) 9334-1823
m. 0412-070-194
**
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; Asthma and Allergy Research Institute.