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CONTACT: Beth Kaplan, (608) 267-3810
STUDY SHOWS DRAMATIC AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT BECAUSE OF SMOKE-FREE LAW
92% Improvement in Bars and Restaurants with "Unhealthy" Air
Quality
MADISON—Air quality samples taken in more than 200 Wisconsin bars
and restaurants that had previously been found to have
"Unhealthy" air showed a 92% improvement after enactment of
Wisconsin's smoke-free air law, according to a study by the Wisconsin
Department of Health Services (DHS) and the UW Carbone Comprehensive
Cancer Center. The study looked at air quality data recorded in businesses
before and after the law's July 5th implementation.
"Governor Doyle has worked hard to make sure Wisconsin workers
were protected from secondhand smoke, and I'm very pleased that the air
quality in their workplaces has improved thanks to the smoke-free
law," said DHS Secretary Karen Timberlake. "I'm glad that
customers and employees are now breathing easier in Wisconsin's bars and
restaurants."
Before July 5, air quality in 21% of the businesses was classified as
"Hazardous", the highest level according to Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources standards. Some 28% of the businesses had air
classified as "Very Unhealthy," with 38% classified as having
"Unhealthy" air. Testing done after the law went into effect
found that 97% of the bars and restaurants had "Good" or
"Satisfactory" air.
The study also saw dangerous small-particle levels from cigarette smoke
drop from 160 micrograms on average to 13 micrograms. Anything at or above
35 micrograms is considered "Unhealthy" air. Public health
agencies collected the air samples using air quality testing equipment.
Most of the testing was done on weekends when the businesses were busier
and more employees and customers could potentially be exposed to
secondhand smoke. To view the report visit: http://sep.uwcarbone.wisc.edu/.
"No one should have to risk their health to earn a paycheck or
even just to enjoy a night out," said Mark Wegner, M.D., M.P.H.,
Chronic Disease Medical Director for the Wisconsin Department of Health
Services. "This report clearly shows the positive health impact of
smoke-free policies."
For information on the law: www.WIBetterSmokeFree.com.For information
on the state's tobacco prevention efforts: www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco/.
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Last Revised: December 15, 2010
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