Bar employees are breathing easier since Michigan banned smoking in restaurants and bars nearly a year ago, according to a study reported by the American Cancer Society's Great Lakes Division.

The Michigan Department of Community Health conducted a study involving 40 people working at bars throughout the state before and after the Smokefree Air Law took effect May 1, 2010.

It found the employees had a significant decrease in two chemical compounds that serve as biomarkers for measuring exposure to secondhand smoke: cotinine and 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL).

Also, the workers reported "significant decreases" in allergy symptoms, shortness of breath, phlegm and coughs in the morning and during the day, the cancer society said.

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of Michigan’s smokefree air law, we can also celebrate evidence of the almost immediate positive effect on the health of Michigan workers as a result of this historic law,” said Judy Stewart, spokesperson for the Michigan Campaign for Smokefree Air and director of state government relations for the American Cancer Society. “There is no doubt that the objective of health advocates and lawmakers in passing Michigan’s smokefree air law was accomplished: Michigan workers are now healthier than they were a year ago.”

The study was conducted among 40 bar employees in the following counties: Benzie, Berrien, Genesee, Ingham, Leelanau, Marquette, Menominee, Muskegon, Emmet, Ottawa, St. Clair, and Wayne.

Michigan was 38th state to ban smoking in restaurants and bars. The ban extends to outdoor areas where food or beverages are served or permitted, such as patios, decks and rooftops.

The ban was promoted by the Campaign for Smokefree Air, a coalition that includes including leadership from the cancer society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association of Michigan, Michigan Health & Hospital Association and Michigan State Medical Society.

E-mail Sue Thoms: sthoms@grpress.com