Perth scientific study has proven that it takes only two people to huff and puff their cigarettes at the alfresco spots to increase the risk of developing respiratory difficulties among non-smokers.

The collaborated work on Smoking and Health of the Curtin University, the University of WA and the Australian Council involved performing air-quality assessments at pubs all over Perth and about 28 cafes.

Researchers utilized a particle monitor to determine the number of microscopic air pollutants the size of tobacco smoke particles that were present in the air to gauge the health implications to non-smokers.

Even at outdoors, Mike Daube, the professor of Health Policy at the Curtin University said, the research discovered that well-ventilated settings did present a health risk associated with second-hand smoke.

Their assessments of the air showed that smoke particle levels were nearly four micrograms per cubic metre of air, even when there was no one smoking, said Prof Daube.

The smoke particle level increased to about 14.25 micrograms per cubic metre of air when one person started to smoke.

It was evident that when more people started smoking, second-hand smoke increased.

Prof Daube said, The amount of second-hand smoke detected increased with the number of people smoking.

The findings of this research serve to back the new regulation on the ban on alfresco smoking, that will be enforced this coming September, said Julia Stafford, researcher from Curtin University.

She said, This research supports smoking bans in areas where people may spend extended periods of time, such as outdoor eating and drinking venues.

The latest regulations on smoking at alfresco settings are part of an important step, and all venues are encouraged to promote a 100 per cent smoke-free environment in an effort to protect the health of their workers and consumers.