Health Effects of Smoke-free Bars in Wisconsin
Karen Palmersheim PhD, Mark Wegner MD MPH, Patrick Remington MD MPH

Summary
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Objective – To assess the impact of a smoke-free workplace ordinance on bartenders’ exposure to secondhand smoke and upper respiratory tract symptoms.

Methods – Data were collected from bartenders working in Appleton and Madison, Wisconsin employing a cross-sectional research design. Pre-ordinance data were collected 2 months before the July 1, 2005 ordinance; post-ordinance data were collected approximately one year later. Findings were extrapolated to the statewide population of bartenders.

Findings – Bartenders’ mean level of exposure to secondhand smoke at work decreased from 20.7 hours during pre-ordinance to 1.6 hours during post-ordinance; exposure in other places decreased from 8.2 hours to 4.1 hours; home exposure decreased from 3.9 hours to 2.8 hours. The prevalence of eight upper respiratory symptoms was significantly lower during the post-ordinance period among non-smoking bartenders. Smokers reported a significant reduction of two symptoms.

Implications – A smoke-free workplace ordinance was associated with reduced exposure to secondhand smoke and fewer related upper respiratory symptoms among bartenders. Statewide, smoke-free establishments could lead to similar health improvements among many more employees and bar patrons.