Third of workers breathing smoke

More than a third of workers continue to be exposed to second-hand smoke at work, say public health researchers.

In an article for the New Zealand Medical Journal, published today, researchers Nick Wilson and George Thomson conclude that second-hand smoke at work causes about 100 avoidable deaths from lung cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke every year.

Dr Wilson said yesterday that international research provided evidence that second-hand smoke was a carcinogen and increased risks of heart disease and respiratory illness.

But in the hospitality industry, workers and owners had little understanding of second-hand smoke-related risks.

Among the research they reviewed, one survey found three-quarters of hospitality workers interviewed wanted smoking restrictions in bars, but fewer than a third understood the increased risk of stroke from second-hand smoke.

New Zealand bar and restaurant studies found that workers in smokefree workplaces had significantly less nicotine in their hair and significantly less continine, another second-hand-smoke product, in their saliva.

"Educating hospitality workers and owners about the risks of second-hand smoke should be an urgent priority," Dr Wilson said.

Evidence in the article supported draft legislation before Parliament to extend smokefree workplaces, but education was needed to back up any law change, he said.

Surveys had found public support for restricting smoking in eateries and bars as well as the workplace.

Smokefree groups supported the article and said all workers should be protected from second-hand smoke.

- NZPA

Further reading
nzherald.co.nz/health