The respiratory health and lung function of bartenders improved after a California law prohibited smoking in bars, according to a study published in the December 9 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).

Dr. Gail Weinmann, a lung specialist with the NHLBI, is available to comment on the study and on the health benefits of a smoke-free environment. To arrange an interview with Dr. Weinmann, please call the NHLBI Communications Office at 301-496-4236.

Background information on lung health and diseases is available on the NHLBI website: www.nhlbi.nih.gov