Granada TV report reveals the truth of passive smoking

March 10, 2005 - PRESS RELEASE

For non smokers a good night out can be ruined by the residue of other people's tobacco smoke, with immediate symptoms ranging from watery eyes to smelly clothes, not to mention damage to the lungs!

On No Smoking Day (March 9th 2005), SmokeFree Liverpool got together with Granada TV to put the dangers of passive smoking to the test in Liverpool city centre's bars - with alarming results.

Non-smoker Heidi Robinson hit the bars of Liverpool followed by Occupational Health specialist Dr. Jim Ford and his smokerlyzer equipment. The equipment measured the level of carbon monoxide in Heidi's lungs after every bar she visited.

After just fifteen minutes in one bar Heidi said, "I can already feel the effects of being in a smoky atmosphere and my hair and clothes are really starting to smell."

Three hours and six pubs later Heidi's final carbon monoxide level came out at a staggering level six - the equivalent of three cigarettes.

Dr Ford said: "This level means that Heidi has smoked the equivalent of three cigarettes even though we know that she hasn't smoked at all. This can have serious effects on her health increasing the risk of a heart attack, stroke and lung cancer.

"Imagine the negative health effects if she was exposed to this level of second-hand smoke for eight hours a day like bar workers are."

Andy Hull, Chair of SmokeFree Liverpool added: "This report goes to show how quickly exposure to second hand tobacco smoke can damage your health. When bar and restaurant workers face repeated exposure these damaging effects are intensified.

We will continue to push for local legislation to protect employees from suffering and make this city a safer place to live, work and socialise."