SEARCH NEWS:

 

Study Accents Hazard of Secondhand Smoke

UNITED STATES – As reported by the Associated Press: "For casino worker Joan Zarych, there's no escaping the smoke.

"…Whenever she gets a break, she hits the Boardwalk for a breath of fresh air.

"But for much of her eight-hour shift as a table games supervisor in Atlantic City, she's stuck overseeing craps tables, roulette wheels and blackjack tables where the smoke from cigars and cigarettes hovers like an unwanted guest.

"…According to the study, published last month in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the air in bars and casinos can have up to 50 times more cancer-causing particles than the air on rush-hour highways.

"The study, by biophysicist James Repace, found that casino and bar workers are exposed to particulate pollution at far greater levels than the government allows outdoors.

"It wasn't the first scientific study that focused on the problem.

"…While smoking bans protect many U.S. workers, those who deal cards and serve drinks in casinos get no relief. Many gamblers like to smoke and casinos don't want to alienate them by banning smoking.

"Some Atlantic City casinos maintain no-smoking slot areas and table games, but most have no restrictions on lighting up.

"…Last year, a measure that would have banned smoking in public places in New Jersey was amended to exempt bars and casinos before being gutted. A bill has been introduced again this year, but it already contains an exemption for casinos.

"…Nevada, meanwhile, is facing two petitions by opposing interests on the smoking issue…"

< Gaming News