EFA

On 29 March 2004, Ireland became the first country to ban smoking in indoor workplaces. The effectiveness of this major public health initiative on exposure and risk for bar workers in Galway city was assessed and nine city pubs were sampled for particulate matter as a marker of second-hand smoke concentrations. There was a significant reduction; up to 96% in PM 2.5 and PM 10 76% compared to pre-ban. The Report 'How does the Irish Ban measure Up?' may be a useful tool in promoting smoke free policies in your country. A report on passive smoking by the Tobacco Advisory Group of the Royal College of Physicians entitled "Going Smoke-Free: The medical case for clean air in the home, at work and in public places" has been published and is available online. Compiled by leading experts in the field, and based on extensive research, this report addresses the serious consequences of passive smoking in the UK. It appraises the health impacts and policy options for preventing passive smoke exposure in the home, at work and in public places.