Second Hand Smoke Exposure Slashed After Three Months Of Smokefree England

Customers in a PubSecondhand smoke exposure by bar and restaurant workers in Hampshire has fallen by 95% since the smokefree legislation came into force on 1 July 2007. The Blonde Beer Café in Winchester and the Wolversdene Club in Andover, both took part in national research funded by Cancer Research UK and organized by the Tobacco Control Collaborating Centre.

In June, employees' exposure was equivalent to smoking 190 cigarettes a year, which dropped to the equivalent of around 44 cigarettes after 1 July.

'small particles' in the air contained in cigarette smoke dropped from near hazardous levels in June to levels that are similar to the outside air in August.

In June, 84 per cent of employees thought second hand smoke at work put their health at risk and just one month on, just over half of employees believe their health is better as a result of the law. Customers agreed with almost 80 per cent thinking the health of employees is better post legislation.

Thanks to The Blonde Beer Café (5 Bridge Street, Winchester) and Wolversdene Club (Love Lane, Andover) for taking part in the research.