New study shows bartenders exposed to less secondhand smoke are feeling the difference
Madison, Wis. – March 14, 2011 – A new study released by the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee on Monday found that bartenders all around the state are feeling an improvement in their health since the smoke-free law was implemented on July 5th 2010 and began protecting them from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke in their workplace.
Researchers surveyed 531 bartenders around the state two months before the smoke-free law went into effect and then, again, three to six months after implementation. Bartenders’ first and second responses were
compared and researchers found upper-respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing first thing in the morning and sore throats, decreased by 36 percent after the statewide smoke-free law went into effect.
“The smoke-free law improves health and saves lives,” said Maureen Busalacchi, executive director of SmokeFree Wisconsin. “This data is further evidence that Wisconsin workers are healthier now that the air is cleared of the 70 known cancer-causing agents found in secondhand smoke. Wisconsin truly is better smoke-free.”
Researchers also found that bartender support for smoke-free establishments increased to an overall 72 percent during the course of this study. Support went up the most among bartenders who smoke and bartenders in rural areas.
“Support for the law continues to grow as more and more people see the very real, immediate and positive health effects associated with this life-saving legislation,” said Busalacchi.
This study is one of many that have been released recently which show strong support for the smoke-free law and the incredible health benefits already occurring as a result of Wisconsin becoming smoke-free.
For more information on the study visit: www.cuir.uwm.edu
To view and share a video of taverns and restaurants in support of the law visit: http://bit.ly/smokefreebars
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