Effects of the Irish Smoking Ban on Respiratory Health of Bar Workers and Air Quality in Dublin Pubs

On the topic of smoking:


Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) causes disease in non-smokers. Workplace bans on smoking are interventions to reduce exposure to ETS to try to prevent harmful health effects. The Irish Government on the 29th March 2004 introduced the first national comprehensive legislation banning smoking in all workplaces including bars and restaurants. This study examines the impact of this legislation on air quality in pubs and on respiratory health effects in bar workers in Dublin.

Concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter in 42 pubs were measured and compared before and after the ban. Benzene concentrations were also measured in 26 of the pubs. Eighty one (81) barmen volunteered to have full pulmonary function studies, exhaled breath carbon monoxide (CO) and salivary cotinine levels performed before the ban and repeated one year later after the ban. They also completed questionnaires on exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and respiratory symptoms on both occasions.

There was an 83% reduction in PM2.5 and an 80.2% reduction in Benzene concentration in the bars. There was a 79% reduction in exhaled breath CO and an 81% reduction in salivary cotinine. There were statistically significant improvements in measured pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and significant reductions in self reported symptoms and exposure levels in volunteer non-smoking barmen after the ban.

A total workplace smoking ban results in a significant reduction in air pollution in pubs
and an improvement in respiratory health in barmen.

Goodman et al (2007)