Press Release

FOR RELEASE AFTER MAY 1, 2008

For more information contact:
Dean Andersen, M. Ed.
CASE Assistant Project Coordinator
MU Department of Family and Community Medicine
573/884-2077 (office); 573/529-9704 (cell)
andersendc@health.missouri.edu

Columbia is Breathing Easier - Literally

Columbia, Mo. (April 21, 2008) - The air in Columbia restaurants and bars is 94 percent cleaner thanks to the city's smoke-free ordinance. Researchers from University of Missouri's Department of Family & Community Medicine released a report this month to coincide with the American Lung Association (ALA) observance of Clean Air Month, celebrated each year to highlight the importance of improving air quality to enhance public health.

Air samples obtained pre-ordinance showed an average of 387 micrograms of fine matter particulate pollution per cubic meter - more than 11 times the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recommended limit of 35 micrograms during a 24-hour exposure. Post-ordinance air samples taken at the same establishments showed average measures of 23 micrograms per cubic meter, well within EPA standards.

Fine matter particulates are of a size that are easily inhaled deep into the lungs and can cause breathing problems, such as asthma and emphysema. Cigarette smoke can be a major contributor to fine matter particulate pollution.

"Secondhand smoke is only one of many indoor air pollutants but this report makes it clear how important it is to prevent smoking indoors for overall air quality. By this simple step, overall air quality in Columbia restaurants and bars improved by 94 percent," said Kevin Everett, PhD, associate professor at the Department of Family & Community Medicine, lead author of the study and principal investigator of CASE.

The report is based on air quality samples collected in five Columbia restaurants and bars in January 2007, before the city's smoke-free ordinance went into effect, and in December 2007, after the ordinance was in place for 11 months. Measurements were conducted by members of the local smoke-free coalition Smoke-free Air for Everyone (SAFE) who were trained in proper sampling techniques.

"The growing body of scientific evidence confirms that smoke-free ordinances are a simple yet very effective way to protect employees and the public from these toxins. Everyone benefits by no longer being exposed to this entirely preventable source of pollution," said Everett.

In addition to clearing the air, smoke-free policies are proving to have other important community benefits. Hospital admissions for heart attacks in communities that have implemented smoke-free ordinances in work and public places are significantly reduced. A study in Pueblo, Colo. found a reduction of 27 percent in hospital admissions for heart attacks among the general population, while a study in Monroe County, Ind. found a 59 percent reduction in admissions among nonsmokers. An analysis of hospital records in New York concluded that reduction in heart attacks attributed to their statewide smoke-free laws directly saved the state an estimated $54 million in healthcare costs.

For a full text of the report, click here.

CASE is a group of leading researchers and experts on the health effects of secondhand smoke. CASE has expertise in addictions, health promotion, psychology, public health, strategic communication and project evaluation. The CASE team of professionals, in partnership with already existing statewide organizations, is working to improve the health of Missouri communities, complement existing tobacco control efforts, and build an infrastructure that can sustain successful programs for years to come. CASE is funded by a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health. For more information, visit the CASE website: http://www.casemo.org.