| Researchers at the University of Dundee are to conduct the study in pubs, bars and nightclubs, with the aim of finding out if the cessation of smoking in their workplace has any positive effect on their health.
Saving the health of staff, who have to work in smoky atmospheres, was one of the main reasons cited for the introduction of the ban, which takes effect on March 26.
In the study, which will be conducted by researchers from the Asthma and Allergy Research Group, based in the university’s medical school at Ninewells Hospital, staff in pubs and clubs around Tayside will undergo simple health checks a month before the ban is implemented.
They will undergo the same tests again at one and two months after the ban has been put in place, which should allow researchers to measure whether there has been any determinable difference in their health.
Dr Daniel Menzies, principal investigator in the Adult Asthma and Allergy Research Group and working under the direction of group head Professor Brian Lipworth, explained the nature of the tests.
He said, “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.
“By checking both before and after the ban is implemented we will be able to track what effects this chance in environments 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.”
Mr Menzies added that staff would be recruited from around Tayside for the study.
“They do not have to come to us,” he said, “We will be going into the pubs and clubs ourselves and we hope to get a range of different premises involved.”
Pubs and clubs interested in getting their staff involved in the study should contact 01382 632588. |
