New study finds 660,000 Wisconsin workers exposed to hazardous levels of secondhand smoke in their workplaces

One in five Wisconsin workers is still exposed to secondhand smoke at work, according to a new study by the UW Paul P. Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center.

“These employees may be exposed to dangerous levels of tobacco smoke for up to eight hours per day. We know that this exposure can cause long-term and serious health effects”, said Patrick Remington, MD, MPH, of the UW School of Public Health.

Researchers found that of the exposed workers, only one-fifth worked in bars or restaurants.

“We estimate that over 80 percent of the employees exposed to secondhand smoke are working in manufacturing, retail and wholesale businesses and transportation. While tavern and restaurant employees would benefit from a smoke-free workplace law, most of the changes would benefit those working in other industries,” said Remington.

"Smoking Allowed," as the study is referred to, analyzed data from both Wisconsin and the United States as a whole.

The press release is available here and the full report is here.