Air quality in NI bars 93% better - report

Air quality in bars is 93 per cent cleaner a year after the smoking ban was introduced in Northern Ireland, according to new research published today.

A leading environmental health charity measured air particulates including nicotine in over 80 bars across the North before and after the introduction of the ban.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) also surveyed bar workers before and after the ban and found a 72 per cent cut in the number who reported symptoms or side effects attributable to tobacco smoke post ban compared to before.

The research showed a 76 per cent increase in bar workers who rated the air quality as good post ban compared to pre ban, and a 92 per cent increase in those who rated air quality as moderate.

Gary McFarlane, CIEH director in Northern Ireland said: “The evidence from this research is clear. The effects of smokefree enclosed public places and workplaces will save lives and protect the health of thousands.”

PA

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