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| Scots bar staff health 'improved' | |
| (about 10 hours later) | |
| The health of Scotland's bar staff has improved dramatically since the introduction of a smoking ban, a medical study has found. | The health of Scotland's bar staff has improved dramatically since the introduction of a smoking ban, a medical study has found. |
| Researchers at Dundee University found significant health improvements in the first two months after the March ban. | Researchers at Dundee University found significant health improvements in the first two months after the March ban. |
| The results have led to calls for the UK Government to speed the introduction of a similar ban south of the border. | The results have led to calls for the UK Government to speed the introduction of a similar ban south of the border. |
| But smokers' rights group Forest said the link between passive smoking and ill health had not been proven. | But smokers' rights group Forest said the link between passive smoking and ill health had not been proven. |
| The team from the university's asthma and allergy research group began testing bar workers in and around Dundee in February, a month before the ban came into force. | The team from the university's asthma and allergy research group began testing bar workers in and around Dundee in February, a month before the ban came into force. |
| This study provides compelling evidence that making workplaces smoke free can have a significant and speedy impact on people's health Peter HollinsBritish Heart Foundation | This study provides compelling evidence that making workplaces smoke free can have a significant and speedy impact on people's health Peter HollinsBritish Heart Foundation |
| Using a series of indicators, they established symptoms attributable to passive smoking, measuring lung function and inflammation in the bloodstream. | Using a series of indicators, they established symptoms attributable to passive smoking, measuring lung function and inflammation in the bloodstream. |
| Testing volunteers a month later and then again in May, the researchers were not only able to back up anecdotal evidence of a general feeling of wellbeing but scientifically establish significant improvements in people's health. | Testing volunteers a month later and then again in May, the researchers were not only able to back up anecdotal evidence of a general feeling of wellbeing but scientifically establish significant improvements in people's health. |
| Daniel Menzies, from the research group, said that in the two months following the introduction of the ban, the number who showed smoke-related symptoms fell from more than 80% to fewer than half. | Daniel Menzies, from the research group, said that in the two months following the introduction of the ban, the number who showed smoke-related symptoms fell from more than 80% to fewer than half. |
| The team also recorded reductions in levels of nicotine in the bloodstream and breathing tests showed improvement in lung function of as much as 10%. | The team also recorded reductions in levels of nicotine in the bloodstream and breathing tests showed improvement in lung function of as much as 10%. |
| The researchers measured the lung function of bar staff | |
| "Our study shows that, across a number of health indicators, positive changes were evident even in the first two months following the introduction of the smoking ban, which is a very rapid change," said Dr Menzies. | "Our study shows that, across a number of health indicators, positive changes were evident even in the first two months following the introduction of the smoking ban, which is a very rapid change," said Dr Menzies. |
| Shelagh Matthews, an asthmatic who works as the bar manager at Dundee city centre pub The Phoenix, said she had used her inhaler less frequently since the ban. | Shelagh Matthews, an asthmatic who works as the bar manager at Dundee city centre pub The Phoenix, said she had used her inhaler less frequently since the ban. |
| "The smoke was something that definitely did have an effect, though perhaps we didn't realise how much of an effect until it was gone," she said. | "The smoke was something that definitely did have an effect, though perhaps we didn't realise how much of an effect until it was gone," she said. |
| "I do actually feel the difference." | "I do actually feel the difference." |
| Neil Rafferty, from the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest), questioned the medical basis for the research. | Neil Rafferty, from the Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco (Forest), questioned the medical basis for the research. |
| The anti-smoking lobby are still making exaggerated claims about passive smoking, meanwhile people are being denied choice Neil RaffertyForest | |
| Mr Rafferty said it diverted attention from the issue of people's right to choose under a system of smoking and non-smoking venues. | Mr Rafferty said it diverted attention from the issue of people's right to choose under a system of smoking and non-smoking venues. |
| He said: "Many people who work in pubs are smokers, many of whom like to have a cigarette during their shift and many of whom aren't really concerned about the issue of passive smoking. | He said: "Many people who work in pubs are smokers, many of whom like to have a cigarette during their shift and many of whom aren't really concerned about the issue of passive smoking. |
| "The science on passive smoking is still very inconclusive, the anti-smoking lobby are still making exaggerated claims about passive smoking, meanwhile people are being denied choice." | "The science on passive smoking is still very inconclusive, the anti-smoking lobby are still making exaggerated claims about passive smoking, meanwhile people are being denied choice." |
| Following the results of the study, which have been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the British Heart Foundation called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to name a precise date for the introduction of an English ban. | Following the results of the study, which have been published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the British Heart Foundation called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to name a precise date for the introduction of an English ban. |
| Chief executive Peter Hollins said: "This study provides compelling evidence that making workplaces smoke free can have a significant and speedy impact on people's health." | Chief executive Peter Hollins said: "This study provides compelling evidence that making workplaces smoke free can have a significant and speedy impact on people's health." |