Butt huts calming the fury between puffers and pink lungs.Millions of smokers and nonsmokers continue their confrontations in the doorways of America's workplaces and public spaces. Millions more wonder what the fuss is about. In their fore-sighted offices, plants, hospitals and restaurants, the confrontation is over -- settled in a way that satisfies smokers, nonsmokers and management. In fact, the solution has grown steadily in popularity since it was introduced 10 years ago. "Whether you call them butt huts, smoke shacks, puff palaces or more indelicate in·del·i·cate adj. 1. Offensive to established standards of propriety; improper. See Synonyms at improper. 2. Marked by a lack of good taste; coarse. 3. nicknames, our smoking shelters provide a designated area for this activity. This effectively addresses the concerns of all involved," said Linda Byam, marketing director for Duo-Gard Industries Inc., the Canton MI manufacturer that originated the modular, prefabricated pre·fab·ri·cate tr.v. pre·fab·ri·cat·ed, pre·fab·ri·cat·ing, pre·fab·ri·cates 1. To manufacture (a building or section of a building, for example) in advance, especially in standard sections that can be easily shipped and structure in 1990. The shelter was the idea of Duo-Gard's CEO/Founder AI Miller. Byam said clients like the enclosed, weatherproof smoking shelters because they eliminate the whining of smokers, the righteous indignation Righteous indignation is an emotion one feels when one becomes angry over perceived mistreatment, insult, or malice. In some Christian doctrines, righteous indignation is considered the only form of anger which is not sinful. of nonsmokers, the concerns about second-hand smoke second-hand smoke Passive smoking, see there , the visual disgust of visitors subjected to smokers hanging around doorways flipping cigarette butts, but most of all because they end the inevitable doorway confrontations between smokers and nonsmokers. The shelters also enhance security. Duo-Gard's clientele, now numbering more than 1,230 companies with more than 2,500 shelters, shows a wide diversity of attitudes. "Some want the most basic model," Byam said, "while others have us equip their shelters with lights, exhaust systems Noun 1. exhaust system - system consisting of the parts of an engine through which burned gases or steam are discharged exhaust automobile engine - the engine that propels an automobile , heating, air conditioning air conditioning, mechanical process for controlling the humidity, temperature, cleanliness, and circulation of air in buildings and rooms. Indoor air is conditioned and regulated to maintain the temperature-humidity ratio that is most comfortable and healthful. , benches and every other imaginable amenity." Duo-Gard offers 77 standard sizes plus custom styles. A typical 8-foot-by-10-foot shelter costs $4,380 and accommodates about 10 smokers. Construction is tinted tint n. 1. A shade of a color, especially a pale or delicate variation. 2. A gradation of a color made by adding white to it to lessen its saturation. 3. A slight coloration; a tinge. 4. , translucent, high-tech polycarbonate A category of plastic materials used to make a myriad of products, including CDs and CD-ROMs. in aluminum framing. "Our shelters are engineered as a long-term solution. The first one we installed 10 years ago is still in use every day," Byam said, pointing out that "a quarter of the population smokes. Many smokers are in transition, but many others tell you they have no plans to quit. Duo-Gard neither advocates nor opposes it. We simply provide America with the solution to a dilemma that obviously will be with us for a long time." That solution appears to be working. In fiscal '99 Duo-Gard enjoyed a 30 percent increase in sales of its smoking shelters. The 16-year-old company is projecting a similar increase in the year 2000. |
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