Each bowling center is voluntarily setting aside a block of hours one or more days a week when smoking is prohibited, although smoking is allowed in nearby bars. The businesses took the action at the urging of the Snohomish Health District, part of its campaign to educate the public on the dangers of second-hand smoke. A public campaign to reduce smoking in cars will kick off later this month. Years ago she was an avid smoker, and Larsen said the cigarette smoke that can permeate alleys doesn't bother her. Mabel Stogsdill said she has bowled at Evergreen for 19 years.
Smoky rooms have up to six times the air pollution as a busy highway.
Children exposed to second-hand smoke have higher rates of respiratory tract and middle ear infections. As he waited his turn between frames, Ted Robertson took an occasional puff on a cigarette and sipped a beer at a small table a few steps from his alley. Robertson, who is 73, said he has smoked since he was 14. But he said he picks the times and places to smoke. He doesn't smoke in his car and hasn't smoked at home in 40 years because of his wife's allergies.