5. Conclusions
asthma, COPD
COPD, ASTHMA, ADVERSE EFFECTS
This study in patients with asthma and COPD shows high levels of SHS exposure in outside areas of hospitality premises in the three selected EU countries with comprehensive smokefree laws. This SHS exposure was shown to have acute effects on breathing in these patients. These real-world observations of high SHS exposure and acute breathing changes suggest that all such patients be advised to avoid these areas. These findings and the known long-term adverse effects of SHS should increase the demands for an extension of smokefree laws to outside areas, abandoning designated areas and redefining a smokefree pub as an establishment where smoking is not allowed in any part of its premises.