Synthesis Paper Links and Summary "Do Smoking Bands Reduce Smoking?"

Changes of Attitudes and Patronage Behaviors in Response to Smoke-Free Bar Law
http://www.ajph.org/cgi/reprint/93/4/611

Effects of Workplace Smoking Bans on Cigarette Consumption
http://www.ajph.org/cgi/reprint/80/2/178

Association Between Household and Workplace Smoking Restrictions and Adolescent Smoking
http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/reprint/284/6/717

Do Workplace Smoking Bans Reduce Smoking?
http://www.jstor.org/view/00028282/ap000012/00a00040/0

Summary of Effects of Workplace Smoking Bans on Cigarette Consumption

A study was done in Australia, among Public Service workers, the largest employee group in the country, to see the effects of a smoking ban. The introduction of the ban was announced
over a year before its implementation deadline and was followed by publicity, pre-deadline phasing in of restrictions at some worksites, and availability of programs to help smokers stop smoking or to control their consumption. Knowing of this upcoming smoking ban, the workers were surveyed two to four weeks before the ban and again five to six months after the ban. The results were surprising. While there was a decrease in smokers, it was found that there was a small percentage of people who were non-smokers before the ban, and had reported becoming smokers in the last survey. The researchers admit that the evidence for effects of workplace bans on smoking cessation is mixed and that the reduction in prevalence may be no greater than the spontaneous rate of smoking cessation. After reading this article, I understand the decrease in smokers because of the lack of time in which to smoke.

Borland, R., Chapman, S., Owen, N., Hill, D. (1990). Effects of Workplace Smoking Bans on Cigarette Consumption. American Journal of Public Health, 80, No. 2. Retrieved October 3, 2007, from http://www.ajph.org/cgi/reprint/80/2/178