Secondhand Smoke and Ventilation
To reduce the harmful effects of secondhand smoke in restaurants, bars and other public spaces, many smoking restriction laws call for businesses to install air ventilation systems meant to clear environmental tobacco smoke from the air. Unfortunately, enforcement of these ventilation requirements is frequently inadequate. In addition, strong evidence indicates that ventilation systems do not meet clean air standards. Below are key facts about ventilation and ventilation systems:
  • A panel of ventilation experts convened by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists determined that dilution ventilation, which is used in nearly all mechanically ventilated buildings, will not control secondhand smoke in the hospitality industry
  • Certain building codes do not mandate that ventilation systems be operated once installed. Even where codes do require operation, ventilation standards go unenforced.
  • Buying, installing and maintaining ventilation systems costs businesses more than simply switching to a smoke-free environment

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