A comprehensive smoke-free law prohibiting designated smoking areas was found to protect the health of hospitality workers in Argentina, according to a study in the April 2010 issue of Tobacco Control. Enactment and enforcement of the smoking ban led to significant reductions in secondhand smoke exposure and respiratory symptoms.
The study was conducted in Neuquén, Argentina (population 270,000). The city enacted a 100% smoke-free ordinance, which banned cigarette smoking in all public venues and workplaces, including bars and restaurants, in November 2007.
Previous studies conducted throughout the United States and Europe have linked enactment of comprehensive smoke-free legislation with reductions in respiratory symptoms and hospital admissions due to heart attacks. But this was the first study to show the positive impact of a 100% smoke-free law in the workplace on the health of hospitality workers in Latin America, according to the authors.
Secondhand Smoke and Health
Exposure to secondhand smoke has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. Restaurant and bar workers have a significantly increased risk as they are exposed daily to high doses of tobacco smoke as compared to other workers.
Positive Impact on Health of Hospitality Workers
A month before the implementation of the law, hospitality workers reported an average of eight hours a day of smoke exposure at their workplaces. This figure dropped to zero hours three months after smoking prohibition.
Respiratory symptoms (cough, waking up during sleep due to cough, phlegm production, wheezing and tightness in chest) decreased from 57.5 percent pre-ban to 28.7 percent post-ban. The reduction of sensory irritation symptoms (red eyes, sneezing and scratchy throat) was even greater, from 86.3 percent pre-ban to 37.5 percent post-ban.
A month before prohibition, 91.2 percent of participants reported knowledge of the smoking ban. After the implementation of the law, knowledge increased to 98.7 percent. Support for the new legislation increased slightly after enforcement of the law, from 93.8 percent to 96.4 percent.
Comprehensive Smoking Bans in Latin America
Between 2006 and 2008, Uruguay, Panama, Colombia and Guatemala passed nationwide 100% smoke-free laws for bars and restaurants. Mexico City and six provinces in Argentina, including Santa Fe, enacted similar comprehensive laws between 2005 and 2009. (Learn more about Santa Fe's smoking ban.)
Studies have shown that 100% smoke-free environments have a positive effect on hospitality workers' respiratory health in Latin America and in many other countries worldwide.
Recommendations for Legislators
The authors of the study recommended implementation of comprehensive smoking bans nationwide in Argentina and other countries. Media coverage of the results has had a great impact, especially among legislators who have used this evidence as the basis of bills.
"The undertaking of this study has been greatly important in promoting 100% smoke-free environment legislation in the workplace as a legitimate right of hospitality workers, and to reduce social acceptance of designated smoking areas in bars and restaurants," the study concluded.
References:
- Schoj V, Alderete M, Ruiz E, et al. The impact of a 100% smoke-free law on the health of hospitality workers from the city of Neuquén, Argentina. Tobacco Control 2010; 19: 134-137.
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Juan Ramos - Juan Ramos is a health communication specialist based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He has worked in the non-profit sector for more than ...
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