Wednesday, November 01, 2006



"Indoor smoking makes air 28 times more polluted"

I was flipping through the newspaper this morning and I read this shocking article of the polluted-ness of air in indoor places such as clubs and pubs. And this is what I've found out:

The National Cancer Centre has conducted a global study on indoor smoking and air pollution in over 400 locations in 20 countries. It found that in Singapore, the air quality in pubs and eateries which allow indoor smoking is 28 times more polluted than smoke-free sites and outdoor venues.

When the skies are clear and the air quality is in the good range (at a Pollutant Standards Index reading of under 50), there are about 15 microgrammes of PM2.5 microns per cubic metre - a level that doctors say is acceptable to public health. PM2.5 are fine particles that are small enough to go down the airways and can be cancer causing. When the PSI hits 300, it means there are more than 251 microns per cubic metre. The study has found that it takes just two lit cigarettes, in an enclosed room the size of a HDB bedroom, to generate 622 microgrammes of pollutants. (GASP) That is an air quality that is almost two and half times more polluted than when the PSI is at the hazardous level of 300.


Woah, that means the second hand smoke we're inhaling in indoor places is more hazardous than when the PSI is like 150; the worst of the haze period. You must be kidding me. All those times at clubs breathing in disgusting second hand smoke... Ew.

Even second-hand smoke can raise the risk of lung cancer by 30 percent. In October, the smoking ban was extended to all public eating places like hawker centres. And from next year, Singapore is banning smoking in pubs, clubs and karaoke lounges.

I say, good move! Applauded. We can now club and chill in peace now, without worrying of breathing in PSI 300 air. Haha.

By now, you should know I'm super ANTI-smoking. =P

Posted by Jo at 12:12 pm