Bars still invaded by smoke, study shows

Bars and other establishments could expose patrons to
secondhand smoke even if a smoking ban is in effect: Study

Bars and pubs that have implemented a smoking ban have taken steps into the right direction, but their patrons may still be exposed to secondhand smoke, a Wellington (New Zealand) study shows.

Even years after smoking bans came into effect, the bars’ indoor air quality may suffer from smoke seeping into the indoor environment from outdoor smoking areas.

The Wellington researchers tested the air quality in seven establishments, seven years after the bans were implemented and measured the particulate levels in the outdoor smoking areas, inside the bar close to the area and further inside the bar.

The results showed poor air quality for all those areas, at higher pollution levels than recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The exposure to smoke affected bar patrons but also especially bar staff, the researchers say.

Based on the study’s results, the researchers said outdoor areas require tighter regulations, too.

Source: Waikato Times

Bars, restaurants and other establishments benefit from good IAQ

Air cleaners can be hidden or mounted to the ceiling to
help purify the air.

Poor indoor air quality not only affects patrons’ and staff’s health and well-being, it can also lead to disappointing stays and subsequent avoidance of the establishments.

For the most effective odor and smoke control, bar owners and operators need to take source control (an effective ban), ventilation and air cleaning into account.

Electrocorp’s line of industrial-strength air cleaners for the hospitality industry can help remove odors and chemical as well as particulate pollutants from the ambient air, which often tend to cling to indoor surfaces even after active smoking has been banned.

The air cleaners are so effective because they combine proven and trustworthy air filters, including a large activated carbon filter for odors and gaseous pollutants, HEPA filters for up to 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns and UV germicidal filtration for enhanced protection against mold, bacteria and viruses.

Want more information? Contact Electrocorp between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST at 866-667-0297 or any time by e-mail: info@electrocorp.net.