PUBS are 10 times more polluted than busy roads.

The air quality in 64 pubs across the north west was tested by researchers, who found that in four pubs the level of "hazardous" particles was 40 times higher than in heavy traffic pollution.

Breathing high levels of particles can aggravate asthma and irritate the eyes in the short term.

But people who work in these pubs risk serious lung and heart problems, including cancer.

The scientists from Manchester University used a portable monitor to take readings over half an hour in pubs in Manchester, Bury, Burnley, Blackburn and Darwen.

Their findings, they say, support the government's decision to ban smoking in enclosed public places, including pubs and bars.

Dr Martie Van Tongeren, from the university's occupational health centre, said: "We found very poor air quality in these pubs. We were surprised at the levels of pollution. This research supports the recent Commons vote to make all workplaces in England, including pubs and bars, smoke-free.

"It confirms that workers and customers in pubs are heavily exposed to pollution from passive smoking, particularly in pubs in more deprived areas.


"And it shows that making workplaces smoke-free will help tackle the huge burden of ill health caused by smoking, particularly among deprived populations, who tend to smoke more."

Researchers gave landlords the chance to opt out of the study in advance. They measured pollution levels using a monitor concealed in a bag over half an hour in each venue, on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights between 7.30 and 10.30.

They found the average level in the 64 pubs was 285 microgrammes per cubic metre.

Typical levels of particles near heavily used roads are 20-30 microgrammes.

The US Environmental Protection Agency labels levels above 150 and 250 microgrammes as "very unhealthy" and "hazardous" respectively.

Claire Probert, of anti-smoking group ASH, said: "This study shows just how important the smoking ban is.

"We wouldn't go and stand by a motorway, but we happily sit in pubs, which can have much worse air pollution.

"The risks, however, vary on how much time people spend in pubs, which pubs they go to and when."