The effects of smoking outside workplaces on non-regular smokers

J Occup Environ Med. 1997 Aug;39(8):734-9. doi: 10.1097/00043764-199708000-00008.

Abstract

The introduction of workplace smoking bans has resulted in smokers smoking outside their workplaces (exiled smoking). Social identity theory postulates that this may cause antagonism between smokers and non-smokers, or where non-smokers were friends with smokers, pressure on non-smokers to smoke. This study examines perceptions and beliefs about exiled smoking in 166 non-smoking workers. They saw smokers as having a work benefit not available to them, but otherwise they were generally not drawn to the activity. Half had joined smokers outside for breaks, but of these only one-third had ever smoked. Those would smoked reported that they did not have a regular pattern of joining the same group of smokers. Although it may provide a conduit for susceptible non-smokers to take up smoking, exiled smoking does not appear to influence those who are not otherwise vulnerable.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Attitude to Health
  • Australia
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Industry
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health*
  • Public Opinion*
  • Smoking / psychology*
  • Workplace / psychology*