Second-hand smoke a risk even on patios, says study

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MONTREALEven on an outdoor patio, second-hand cigarette smoke can produce air quality comparable to a smoggy day in Los Angeles or even a forest fire, new research contends.

The findings are based on a series of air quality tests performed on Montreal patios.

Ryan Kennedy, a university researcher, said he found poor air quality even there was a breeze and no restrictions blocking the flow of air, such as an awning or umbrella.

I think what's important is for us to remember that tobacco smoke is a Class A carcinogen, and any level of exposure bears a risk, Kennedy, based at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., said in an interview Saturday.

Anti-tobacco advocates are hoping the findings help make the case for a patio smoking ban in Quebec, and across the country.

Several provinces have already banned smoking on patios, including Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and Alberta. Yukon has also introduced a ban, along with Ottawa and a number of municipalities on Vancouver Island and in the lower mainland of British Columbia.

Quebec is among the provinces that has so far resisted going that route.

Montreal, in particular, is well-known for its sidewalk cafes and bars.

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Second-hand smoke a risk even on patios, says study