[Secondhand smoke in hospitality venues. Exposure, body burden, economic and health aspects in conjunction with smoking bans]

Positive impact of the Portuguese smoking law on respiratory health of restaurant workers

The impact of smoke-free law on the respiratory and sensory symptoms among restaurant workers was evaluated. Fifty-two workers in 10 Portuguese restaurants were interviewed before and 2 years after implementation of the smoke-free law. A significant reduction in self-reported workplace environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure was observed after the enforcement of the law, as well as a marked reduction in adverse respiratory and sensory symptoms such as dry, itching, irritated, or watery eyes, nasal problems, and sore or dry throat or cough, between pre- and post-ban. This study demonstrates that the smoking ban was effective in diminishing the exposure symptoms among workers and consequently in improving their respiratory health. These observations may have implications for policymakers and legislators in other countries currently considering the nature and extent of their smoke-free workplace legislation.

Secondhand tobacco smoke in bars and restaurants in Santiago, Chile: evaluation of partial smoking ban legislation in public places

Objective

To compare air nicotine concentrations according to the smoking policy selected by bars/restaurants in Santiago, Chile before and after the enactment of partial smoking ban legislation in 2007 (establishments could be smoke free, have segregated (mixed) smoking and non-smoking areas, or allow smoking in all areas).

Methods

The study measured air nicotine concentrations over 7 days to characterise secondhand smoke exposure in 30 bars/restaurants in 2008. Owner/manager interviews and physical inspections were conducted.

Results

Median IQR air nicotine concentrations measured in all venues were 4.38 (0.61–13.62) μg/m³. Air nicotine concentrations were higher in bars (median 7.22, IQR 2.48–15.64 μg/m³) compared to restaurants (1.12, 0.15–9.22 μg/m³). By smoking status, nicotine concentrations were higher in smoking venues (13.46, 5.31–16.87 μg/m³), followed by smoking areas in mixed venues (9.22, 5.09–14.90 μg/m³) and non-smoking areas in mixed venues (0.99, 0.19–1.27 μg/m³). Air nicotine concentrations were markedly lower in smoke-free venues (0.12, 0.11–0.46 μg/m³). After adjustment for differences in volume and ventilation, air nicotine concentrations were 3.2, 35.5 and 56.2 times higher in non-smoking areas in mixed venues, smoking areas in mixed venues and smoking venues, respectively, compared to smoke-free venues.

Conclusions

Exposure to secondhand smoke remains high in bars and restaurants in Santiago, Chile. These findings demonstrate that the partial smoking ban legislation enacted in Chile in 2007 provides no protection to employees working in those venues. Enacting a comprehensive smoke-free legislation which protects all people from exposure to secondhand smoke in all public places and workplaces is urgently needed.

[Tobacco prevention at the regional level, Bavaria as an example]

Tobacco consumption is one of the most relevant behavior-based health risks. It has been estimated that there are 14,000-18,000 tobacco-related deaths each year in Bavaria, Germany. Thus, efficient tobacco prevention, which involves measures of behavior-oriented as well as of condition-oriented prevention at the Federal State level, is a priority objective of prevention politics in Bavaria. Measures of behavior-oriented prevention account for the fact that tobacco prevention affects private lifestyles, where statutory provisions may not be effectual. However, smoking bans have achieved the creation of smoke-free living spaces especially for children and adolescents. In the long term, it is essential to enhance evaluation of tobacco prevention, to pay more attention to sustainability of approved projects, and to ensure a smoke-free environment for children and adolescents. The Bavarian health program "Gesund.Leben.Bayern." is an important platform for this.