Ninety-four percent of Fayette residents feel that smoking by youths is a problem, according to a survey released this week by the county Department of Health.

Eighty percent would prefer to work in a smoke-free building.

Conducted in early May, the telephone poll of registered voters shows that “an overwhelming majority are aware of youth activities and behavior,” according to a press release from the department.

“You can see the kids smoking almost everywhere they hang out,” said Tracey Ellis-Williams, health educator for District 4 Health Services and a Fayetteville resident. “It's possible they're trying to look older and be like an adult, but they are flirting with addiction and respiratory diseases,” said Ellis-Williams.

More than half of the voters polled are concerned about many issues related to tobacco smoke, said Ellis-Williams. In every category the poll addressed, the response showed awareness in the community of the impact of tobacco smoke, she said.

Compiled by Atlanta independent research firm Beth Schapiro and Associates, the data tracked responses from every voting district in the county. The survey addressed youth smoking, secondhand smoke and smoking in public places.

The poll also points to the desire of residents to have a smoke-free environment, Ellis-Williams said. Eighty-six percent of respondents are bothered by secondhand smoke, she said, and 80 percent would prefer working in a smoke-free atmosphere.

A majority would favor a ban on smoking in public buildings, restaurants and work places, said Ellis-Williams.

“The citizens are speaking,” said Jill Holmes Long, tobacco use prevention coordinator for District 4 Health Services. “Secondary smoke is a public health problem, and local businesses and industries have an opportunity to voluntarily ban tobacco use on premise for the improved health of citizens and employees. A smoke-free Fayette would enhance our quality of life.”

Other results from the survey:

53 percent are more likely to dine in a smoke-free restaurant, while 39 percent say such a policy makes no difference and 9 percent are less likely to dine in a restaurant if it forbids smoking.

53 percent believe that local governments should have the right to enact ordinances that restrict smoking, even if the ordinances differ from state laws.

54 percent favor banning smoking in restaurants, 42 percent are opposed to a ban and 5 percent have no opinion.

63 percent favor a ban on smoking in the work place, while 35 percent oppose and 4 percent don't know.

73 percent believe that secondhand smoke can give nonsmokers cancer and other serious diseases; 17 percent do not think it poses such health risks and 11 percent don't know.