Scottish bar staff secondhand smoke exposure down 86%

Scottish bar staff are exposed to 86 per cent less smoke following the launch of smokefree legislation in the country almost a year ago, say scientists.

Researchers from the Aberdeen University who are reviewing the effects of the legislation said that most bars now have air quality comparable with being outdoors.

“These findings confirm the dramatic effect that smoking cessation in pubs and bars can have on air quality,” said Professor John Ayres of Aberdeen University.

“This can only be to the benefit of bar staff and customers alike.

“It will be of great interest to see the results of our health assessments from this largest ever study of the effects of a smoking ban on bar workers’ health,” he told the BBC.

The researchers are preparing a report for the Scottish Executive on the effectiveness of the ban, to be delivered by the end of this year.