ST. PAUL, Minn. -- The American Lung Association of Minnesota says results of air quality monitoring tests show that Mankato's comprehensive smoke-free ordinance is working to improve health by dramatically reducing secondhand smoke in public places.
Air quality monitoring conducted before and after the smoke-free ordinance went into effect on July 1 shows an 86 percent decrease in the amount of dangerous indoor air pollutants found in bars and restaurants.
"I don't think most people realize how polluted the air used to be in these indoor spaces, places where people work and gather," said coalition spokesperson Phil Bachman. "These results underscore the importance of voting 'yes' in November to keep Mankato smoke-free and healthy."
The air quality monitoring also found that prior to implementation of a comprehensive smoke-free ordinance, the air in some Mankato bars and restaurants was two times more polluted than Environmental Protection Agency's recommended exposure levels for a 24-hour period.
"Pollution measured in some Mankato bars and restaurants contained cancer-causing chemicals that are inhaled deeply into the lungs where they may cause significant damage to people's health. We know that high concentrations of these pollutants are found in secondhand smoke," said Dave Bohac, director of Indoor Air Quality at the Center for Energy and the Environment. "The good news is after July 1, Mankato's tested pollution levels were considerably below the EPA's exposure limits and health concerns due to secondhand smoke have been eliminated for customers and workers."
The Mankato Area Smoke-Free Coalition monitored pollutants in the air of four bars and restaurants in Mankato. They compared air pollution before and after the July 1 implementation of Mankato's smoke-free ordinances. Data analysis was performed by the Center for Energy and the Environment.
The monitoring was conducted through a grant from the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco. Data analysis was provided by the Center for Energy and the Environment of Minneapolis.
Earlier this summer, Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, outgoing surgeon general of the United States, released "The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke," the most comprehensive scientific report ever produced on the health harms of secondhand smoke. According to Carmona, "massive and conclusive scientific evidence documents adverse effects of involuntary smoking on children and adults." The report also concluded that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke.
Lung Association officials said the findings from Mankato are consistent with dozens of other air quality monitoring tests conducted in Minnesota and around the nation. An earlier, larger air quality study in the Twin Cities metro area found that Hennepin County's smoke-free ordinance reduced indoor air pollution by 87 percent.
Those who want more information on the surgeon general's report may visit http://www.surgeongeneral.gov
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