By Caleb Campbell
Paducah, KY – A recently released study reports air quality in Paducah public venues has improved dramatically since the implementation of a city-wide smoking ban. Kentucky Center for Smoke-free Policy released the report today (Wednesday) which shows an 89 percent improvement in air quality. The Paducah Board of Commissions implemented a smoke free ordinance in April 2007. Indoor air quality was assessed in 9 businesses before and after the law took affect. The report shows indoor air pollution levels fell well below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for outdoor air for the first time since testing began. Second hand smoke exposure is the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S.