AUSTRALIA: Designated no-smoking areas give little to no protection from the dangers of inhaling tobacco smoke, a new study has claimed.
Researchers in Australia concluded such areas in clubs and restaurants at most halve the levels of second-hand smoke inhaled.
They say current regulations allowing smoking on premises are "ineffective" in protecting people from passive smoking.
The research carried out in 17 social and gaming clubs in Sydney measured the amount of "environmental tobacco smoke" in smoking and non-smoking areas.
Prof Barbara Stewart of Sydney Public Health Unit, said: "Non-smoking areas may provide some reduction in the level of exposure of individuals to environmental tobacco smoke. However, reduction may be marginal or trivial."
Mr Ian Willmore of ASH said: "This research confirms what we really knew, that designated smoking areas do not protect the public from second-hand smoke and, of course, still leave employees exposed. This is further proof of the need for clear legislation preventing smoking in the workplace and in public places."
Dame Helena Shovelton, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "Today's research that non-smoking areas do not protect the public from second-hand smoke adds to the argument that smoking should be banned in public places."