Secondhand smoke levels in Scottish pubs: the effect of smoke-free legislation. Issue 2 (30th March 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Semple, Sean; Creely, Karen S; Naji, Audrey; Miller, Brian G; Ayres, Jon G
• Is Part Of: Tobacco control. Volume 16:Issue 2(2007)
• Page Start: 127
• Page End: 132
• Publication Date: 2007-03-30
• Subjects: EPA, Environmental Protection Agency -- PM2.5, particulate matter <2.5 μm in diameter -- RSP, respirable suspended particulate -- SHS, secondhand smoke -- WHO, World Health Organization; Tobacco use -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Tobacco use -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Law and legislation -- Periodicals; Smoking -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Tobacco Use Disorder -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Tobacco -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 613.85
• DOI: 10.1136/tc.2006.018119
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0964-4563

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To compare levels of particulate matter, as a marker of secondhand smoke (SHS) levels, in pubs before and 2 months after the implementation of Scottish legislation to prohibit smoking in substantially enclosed public places. Design: Comparison of SHS levels before and after the legislation in a random selection of 41 pubs in 2 Scottish cities. Methods: Fine particulate matter &lt;2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5 ) was measured discreetly for 30 min in each bar on 1 or 2 visits in the 8 weeks preceding the starting date of the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 and then again 2 months after the ban. Repeat visits were undertaken on the same day of the week and at approximately the same time of the day. Results: PM2.5 levels before the introduction of the legislation averaged 246 μg/m 3 (range 8–902 μg/m 3 ). The average level reduced to 20 μg/m 3 (range 6–104 μg/m 3 ) in the period after the ban. Levels of SHS were reduced in all 53 post-ban visits, with the average reduction being 86% (range 12–99%). PM2.5 concentrations in most pubs post-ban were comparable to the outside ambient air PM2.5 level. Conclusions: This study has produced the largest dataset of pre- and post-ban SHS levels in pubs of all worldwide smoke-free legislations introduced to date. Our results show that compliance with the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005 has been high and this has led to a marked reduction in SHS concentrations in Scottish pubs, thereby reducing both the occupational exposure of workers in the hospitality sector and that of non-smoking patrons.