It is clear that separation of smokers from non-smokers combined with air exchange technology is a complete solution to this largely artificial problem. All it takes is regulating authorities setting the standards for indoor air quality on passive smoke, and the technology does the rest. Such air quality standards are common in industrial and environmental contexts. But, to date, no country in the world has set them for smoking areas. It seems clear that the reasons are not scientific, nor are they economic or technical: They are political.
The anti smoking agencies do not want safe standards that would still allow people to smoke. They simply want a ban that will push smokers outdoors like outcasts.
There is no danger from second-hand smoke, in fact, smoke from tobacco is a statistically insignificant health risk.
Thomas Laprade
Thunder Bay, Ontario
