CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP)- A new study from the Medical University
of South Carolina shows that smoking bans do indeed improve air
quality.

Researcher Matthew Carpenter of the Hollings Cancer Center sampled air quality two years ago in 23 bars and restaurants in Charleston and another 11 in Mount Pleasant.

Samples were taken again after both towns passed smoking bans
last year. The result was a 94 percent reduction in air pollution with air quality well within standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Carpenter said hospitality workers were often exposed to
second-hand smoke. He said the bans help reduce their exposure to
cancer-causing smoke.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)