Researchers to measure effects of smoking ban on pub staff

Pub and club workers will be given health checks to determine what impact the impending smoking ban in Scotland will have on their health, in a new study being conducted by researchers from the Asthma and Allergy Research Group based in the University's Medical School at Ninewells Hospital.

The health of staff who work in often smoky atmospheres in pubs and clubs was widely cited as one of the chief reasons for introducing the smoking ban, which takes effect on March 26th.

In the study, staff in pubs and clubs around Tayside will undergo simple health checks one month before the ban is implemented and then again at one and two months after it is in place.

This should allow researchers to measure whether there has been any determinable difference in their health as a result of the ban.

"By using a couple of very quick breathing tests and a blood test we can determine respiratory symptoms and the levels of inflammation to the lungs and blood vessels," said Dr Daniel Menzies, Principal Investigator in the Adult Asthma and Allergy Research Group, working under the direction of the head of the group Professor Brian Lipworth.

"By checking both before and after the ban is implemented we will be able to track what effects this change in environment has for staff working in pubs and clubs. We will also ask them to fill in a questionnaire on aspects of working in what may be a smoky atmosphere, whether or not they suffer irritation such as itchy eyes or sore throats."

Dr Menzies explained that staff would be recruited from around Tayside for the study. "They do not have to come to us, we will be going into the pubs and clubs ourselves, and we hope to get a range of different premises involved."

Pubs or clubs who may be interested in getting their staff involved in the study should contact 01382 632588.