Researchers in Athens, Ga., Trying to Determine if Second-Hand Smoke Outside Poses Health Risks

Could second-hand cigarette smoke still pose a risk to us, even when it is outside in the open air? That's what researchers have set out to prove. Their findings may surprise you. According to Science Daily, researchers in Athens, Ga., have set out to prove that second-hand smoke is increasing outdoors, due to the increase in smoking bans in bars and restaurants. They had hoped to discover whether or not the extra smoke outdoors is causing a significant increase in air pollutants for those who frequent the areas.

Being that Athens is a college town with many students, researchers were concerned for the health of the students. Students are often seen gathered together in large groups outside of businesses with some of them smoking, which means there should be a large amount of exposure to the second-hand smoke. According to the researchers, their findings could lead to bringing more attention to cigarette smoke to policy makers who regulate these decisions.

Athens has over a hundred bars and restaurants. The city banned smoking in these establishments partially in 2004. A full ban was set in place in 2005. Now, it is common to see smokers gather around a general area together outside in order to smoke and converse. This is a more common occurrence since the smoking ban was put into place. It has left smokers no choice but to smoke outside, which leads to many of them smoking right outside the establishments.