Restaurant Related News

NYCOSH UPDATE
New York State's Ban on Workplace Smoking Marks Third Successful Year

Health and Safety News

The UPDATE is published biweekly by the New York Committee for Occupational Health and Safety. For a free subscription visit our web site at www.nycosh.org
 
Published: August 1, 2006

New York State's Ban on Workplace Smoking Marks Third Successful Year
 
New Yorkers' exposure to second-hand smoke has declined by 50 percent since the state Clean Indoor Air act took effect in July 2003, according to a report published last week by the New York State Department of Health.
 
Restaurant and tavern workers' exposure to second-hand smoke has declined by 78 percent during the same period.
 
"This may be the first time ever that research has shown a decline in the public's exposure to second-hand smoke following the implementation of a state anti-smoking law," said State Health Commissioner Antonia Novello. "This is very promising news for the health of New Yorkers given the recent heightened U.S. Surgeon General's warning that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke."
 
Additional key findings of the report:

• Hospitality workers reported a marked decrease in eye, nose, and throat irritation and inflammation
• Exposure to second-hand smoke in worksites other than hospitality worksites has not changed
• Compliance with the law is high in hospitality venues
• Public support for the law is strong and has increased steadily over time
• The law has not had an adverse financial impact on bars and restaurants

Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General released a report showing that second-hand smoke exposure causes disease and premature death in children and adults who do not smoke. In addition, children exposed to second-hand smoke are at an increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, ear problems, and asthma. Smoking by parents causes respiratory symptoms and slows lung growth in their children. Adults exposed to second-hand smoke are at increased risk for cancer and heart disease. The report concluded that the scientific evidence indicates that there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke.
 
The complete report on the effect of the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act is at http://www.health.state.ny.us/prevention/tobacco_control/docs/ciaa_impact_report.pdf
 
The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke: A Report of the U.S. Surgeon General is at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/secondhandsmoke/
 
From the August 1, 2006 NYCOSH Update on Safety and Health