Smoking Outdoors – Is That Enough?

          Most people who smoke are aware of policies regarding the banning of smoking indoor public places. One issue however, is some don’t realize where outside they can smoke. For instance, no one can smoke within 10 meters of a building entrance. Many of those who smoke are aware this law exists, but it is not always followed. The reason this law is broken is not always an intentional one.

         Research demonstrates that painted lines are seen as the best practice for demarcation of smoking areas. The use of lines is to indicate where people must move back from entranceways when smoking. When areas are clearly marked as appropriate distances away from entrances, more people become compliant.

         Why is this distance of concern? It is because there is increasing evidence for harmful effects of second hand smoke in outdoor environments. Smoking too close to doors allows drift of smoke into indoor areas as well impacting those who are using the entranceways.

         Therefore, it is important not only for smokers to smoke outdoors, but to smoke the appropriate distance away from building entrances. If people smoke far enough from entrances, they are significantly reducing the damage to the health of those around them.