Support for smoking reduction without ban

The Air Cleaner Manufacturers Association (ACMA) has stated its support for government's efforts to reduce smoking but does not believe a total smoking ban is workable.

The Air Cleaner Manufacturers Association (ACMA) has stated its support for government's efforts to reduce smoking but does not believe a total smoking ban is workable.

In its dossier submitted to the DoH (Department of Health) Smokefree Legislation Team, ACMA points out that air cleaning provides a "middle way" that affords comfort and clean air provision for both smokers and non-smokers alike.

"The industry recognises that a total ban on smoking is unlikely, as is the status quo, so regulation is likely, commented Honeywell, the leading air cleaner manufacturer and an ACMA member.

"Air cleaners can minimise the practical difficulties and allow smokers and non-smokers alike the opportunity to enjoy clean air.

As we state in the ACMA dossier, an air cleaner costs only about £1 per day to run." ACMA proposes that premises be exempted from any ban on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces if either the whole room is treated by air cleaners or self-contained smoking booths are provided.

ACMA stresses that air cleaners remove pollutants, unlike ventilation which merely displaces them elsewhere.

It points out that a correctly maintained and operated air cleaner, used alone or with ventilation, will reduce particulate pollution from tobacco smoke in all kinds of indoor environments such as bars, clubs, restaurants and casinos.

Cleaners fitted with additional filters can also reduce gaseous and odour pollution.

"It is very well proven technology," stressed Honeywell.

"Millions of Honeywell air cleaners alone are already in daily use worldwide, in cafes, bars, restaurants, offices, hotels, leisure centres and other venues.

They allow smokers and non-smokers to socialise without discomfort or embarrassment.

Staffs are happier and less prone to illness and hay fever, and enjoy a smoke-free workplace.

Customers are more comfortable, so stay longer and spend more." The effectiveness of air cleaners for smoke removal has been proven in independent tests conducted by BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) and quoted in the ACMA dossier.

In addition to smoke removal, the tests proved the ability of the air cleaner to reduce general particulate pollution.

While air cleaners actively remove pollutants and supply the clean air over a large area, ventilators simply move air but do not clean it, while air conditioners cool air and adjust humidity without cleaning.

ACMA's dossier explains that if normal air conditioning filters are fitted, they do not remove the very small particles found in smoke, and recycled air from an air conditioning system can spread smoke and odour throughout the building.

It adds, "Air cleaners can be used as additional filtration to remove pollution from specific areas where smoke etc is localised.

These areas can be physically separate rooms or possibly defined by the supply of clean air from grilles and air curtains to produce the same effect.

The fresh air supplies the required ventilation, and the air cleaner supplies the localised 'spot' cleaning.

Careful balancing of the supplied fresh air and the returned cleaned air from the air cleaner, with some extraction, can contain and remove the smoke in designated areas for smoking, with little or no spillage into non-smoking areas." ACMA's dossier summarises that air cleaners: Can keep the volume of air required to ventilate a space to the minimum recommended levels for the reduction of CO and CO2.

The general requirements for ventilation are 8 l/s/person, when related to floor area, this equates to 8 l/s/m2 for standing personnel, 4 l/s/m2 for seated.

Without air cleaners, to reduce the pollution generated by smoking, CIBSE recommends ventilation rates should be increased to levels of 16 to 43 l/s/person depending on the density of the cigarette smoke.

Can reduce, or keep to a minimum, as the result of 1) the energy required to carry out any necessary treatment of the ventilation air.

Minimises the level of ventilation and therefore possible draughts can be limited.

Can be positioned to remove pollutants at or close to their source.

Only require electrical power, they do not require ducting etc.

for their installation.

Are ideal for fitting to buildings where no other form of air treatment is available or would be difficult to install, although in some older buildings care must be taken ensure the effectiveness of the air cleaner is not limited by, for example, obstruction of the supplied clean air by beams etc.

Will also help in the reduction of dust, pollens and general ambient particulate pollution introduced by simple ventilation systems.

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