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ASH Scotland comment on CRUK press release

 11 September 2006

Commenting on Cancer Research UK's opinion poll which surveyed 545 bar staff throughout Scotland in August this year, Maureen Moore Chief Executive of ASH Scotland said: 

"This is fantastic news and it shows that the legislation is serving its main purpose. It's offering people effective protection from exposure to toxic second-hand smoke in their workplaces and indoor public places.
 
I'm particularly encouraged to see that the majority of bar staff surveyed - whether they personally smoked or not - were highly positive about the health benefits of bars going smoke free. The experience of other countries like Ireland and Norway shows we can expect to see the real improvements improvements in people's health that follow on from removing their exposure to second-hand smoke.
 
Before March this year, most bar workers had no choice but to work long shifts in heavily smoky rooms. This legislation has cleared the air, and ASH Scotland joins Cancer Research UK in celebrating its success."

ENDS

For further information please call ASH Scotland on 0131 225 4725 or 07773 351878 after 17.00hrs

Notes to Editors:

1. For media enquiries regarding the CRUK survey contact Sophy Fitzpatrick on 020 7 061 8318 or out of hours the duty press officer on 07050 264 059. 
   The CRUK survey found 92% Scottish bar staff said their workplaces were healthier post legislation and 78% believed the legislation will benefit their health in the long term. 89% of bar workers that smoked reported their workplaces were healthier post legislation and 69% believed it will benefit their health in the long term. 
2. View ASH Scotland's press release on the 1 year report on Norway's smoke free law including bar workers health improvements.
3. The following countries have also seen a decline in SHS exposure in bar and hospitality workers:
   1. Norway: Hospitality worker health problems dropped significantly after implementation of smoke-free legislation
   2. Ireland: Levels of carbon monoxide have decreased by 45% in non-smoking bar workers
   3. New York City: Levels of cotinine, a by-product of tobacco, decreased by 85% in nonsmoking workers in bars and restaurants
   4. New York State: Exposure to SHS declined markedly among hospitality workers as did self-reported sensory irritation (eye, nose, and throat).

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