Smoking control in a hospital setting.

Unobtrusive observations of smoking behavior at four hospital areas designated as no-smoking and two designated as smoking revealed almost total compliance to a revised and stringent smoking control policy. The smoking control policy was a radical departure from the traditional, liberal practices. Of particular importance was the relative absence of complaints from patients and employees following the initiation of the smoking control program. The implications of practical, cost-effective smoking control procedures existing for hospitals are discussed in reference to their liability to protect patients from controllable hazards.