Bans Don't Help Smokers Kick The Butt: Study


TORONTO: Ban on smoking in public spaces may not motivate smokers to light up less behind their own closed doors or quit altogether, a new Canadian study has claimed.

With advance knowledge of a smoking ban in Quebec, Canada that took effect in May 2006, researchers were able to collect data from a representative cross-section of the population a month ahead of time.

They then followed up a year and a half later.

Researchers found no significant change in home habits in the aftermath of a ban.

Growing awareness of the health impact of secondhand smoke contributed to the stricter laws, although a number of those who kept puffing at home claimed to be trying to reduce nicotine exposure to others, even if those strategies for quitting are generally futile, researchers said.

"The popular belief is that opening windows or doors to blow out smoke makes it OK, when that's not the case," Sylvia Kairouz of Concordia University said.

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Source: PTI