• 86% improvement in the air quality in bars
• 40% reduction at a population level in overall secondhand smoke exposure - both in smoker and non-smokers.
• 17% reduction in heart attack admissions to nine Scottish hospitals. Before the ban the average reduction was 3 per cent per year.

What is particularly important is that there was no increase in people smoking in their homes following the introduction of the law. In fact there is an increase in the numbers of both smokers and non-smokers who are reporting that their home is smoke free.

However we also know that many people still do not take action to reduce exposure to second hand smoke in the home. As a result the health of many children is being affected by secondhand smoke.

• In the UK approximately 50% of all children are exposed to secondhand smoke in the home.

• Research from Scotland has shown that 19% of 11 year olds are exposed to such high levels of secondhand smoke to cause circulation damage. 

Children are at particular risk of the damaging effects of secondhand smoke because their lungs are still developing, they breathe faster and have immature immune systems that make them more vulnerable to effects of secondhand smoke than adults.

"Its OK to pollute my own lungs, I wouldn't do that to my child".
(Mother from Springburn, Glasgow who smokes)

Local councils are responsible for ensuring the enforcement of the smokefree law, which is well adhered to within Scotland and makes sure workers are protected from the damaging effects of secondhand smoke.

For more information on the smokefree law in Scotland click on the following link. http://www.clearingtheairscotland.com

For more information on the national evaluation go to the following website: http://www.ashscotland.org.uk/ash/5510.html