Secondhand smoke point-source exposures assessed by particulate matter at two popular public beaches in Thailand

PM2.5 Concentrations of Outdoor Tobacco Smoke at Different Distances From the Smoking Source: Is There an Optimal Distance for a Designated Smoking Area?

INTRODUCTION

Many countries have enacted indoor smoke-free policies, and some have established outdoor nonsmoking areas. However, no clear standard for determining the optimal distance for these outdoor nonsmoking zones remains. This study aimed to evaluate outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS) exposure up to a distance of 21 m and to identify factors influencing OTS levels.

METHODS

To assess OTS levels, PM2.5 concentrations were measured at distances of 6, 12, 15, 18, and 21 m using real-time aerosol monitors. Between August and October 2022, a total of 164 measurements were undertaken. The background PM2.5 concentration was gauged for 5 minutes before smoking commenced and then re-measured 3 minutes during smoking. OTS levels were determined by calculating the difference between the average background PM2.5 and the average PM2.5 concentrations during smoking. A one-sample t test was employed to ascertain if the OTS levels at each distance were significantly elevated compared to 0 µg/m3. Furthermore, a multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the factors influencing OTS levels.

RESULTS

The mean OTS levels recorded at all specified distances significantly surpassed 0 µg/m3. The regression analysis revealed that the OTS levels correlated significantly with distance and wind speed. Specifically, OTS levels diminished as distance expanded and wind speed reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

OTS levels, even at 21 m, were significantly greater than 0 µg/m3. Our results provide robust evidence supporting the establishment of outdoor nonsmoking zone up to 21 m.

IMPLICATIONS

Outdoor tobacco smoke (OTS) level was determined by PM2.5 concentration. The OTS levels significantly exceeded 0 µg/m3 at every measured distance up to 21 m. In the regression model, OTS levels notably correlated with distance and wind speed. OTS levels diminished as distance expanded and wind speed reduced.

Evaluation of a smoke-free beaches intervention in Barcelona: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

We aim to assess the effect of a smoke-free beaches (SFB) intervention in Barcelona on smoking during the 2021 bathing season.

METHODS

Quasi-experimental pre-post design (pre-intervention period: 15-28 May; post-intervention period: 29 May-12 September). Based on users' profiles and location, four beaches were assigned to the intervention group (IG) and five to the comparison group (CG). The intervention involved: a mayoral decree (29 May), a communication campaign and beach on-site information. We established two 3 m × 3 m transects per beach from the coastline to the promenade. Trained teams collected smoking-related information in the transects through observations and surveys to beach users. Outcomes are as follows: percentage of people reporting witnessing smoking behaviours the last fortnight and percentage of people observed smoking. We calculated and compared prevalence ratios (PRs) with adjusted Poisson regressions.

RESULTS

3751 interviews (1721 IG; 2030 CG) and 1108 observations (498 IG, 610 CG) were carried out. SFB were associated with a significant reduction in the percentage of people reporting witnessing smoking (IG (pre: 87.2%; post: 49.7%); CG (pre: 86.2%; post: 74.1%); PR (95% CI): 0.7 (0.6 to 0.8)); and in the users observed smoking in the beach (IG (pre: 3.8%; post: 3.0%); CG (pre: 2.3%; post: 9.9%); PR (95% CI): 0.3 (0.3 to 0.4)). Satisfaction scores were 8.3 (IG) and 8.1 (CG) out of 10.

CONCLUSION

An SFB intervention is an effective and well-accepted measure to reduce smoking and smokers' visibility. Smoke-free measures should be extended to beaches and other non-regulated outdoor areas.

Cigarette Waste in Popular Beaches in Thailand: High Densities that Demand Environmental Action

Thailand, like all nations, has a responsibility to initiate environmental actions to preserve marine environments. Low- and middle-income countries face difficulties implementing feasible strategies to fulfill this ambitious goal. To contribute to the revitalization of Thailand's marine ecosystems, we investigated the level of tobacco product waste (TPW) on Thailand's public beaches. We conducted a cross-sectional observational survey at two popular public beaches. Research staff collected cigarette butts over two eight-hour days walking over a one-kilometer stretch of beach. We also compiled and analyzed data on butts collected from sieved sand at 11 popular beaches throughout Thailand's coast, with 10 samples of sieved sand collected per beach. Our survey at two beaches yielded 3067 butts in lounge areas, resulting in a mean butt density of 0.44/m². At the 11 beaches, sieved sand samples yielded butt densities ranging from 0.25 to 13.3/m², with a mean butt density of 2.26/m² (SD = 3.78). These densities show that TPW has become a serious problem along Thailand's coastline. Our findings are comparable with those in other countries. We report on government and civil society initiatives in Thailand that are beginning to address marine TPW. The solution will only happen when responsible parties, especially and primarily tobacco companies, undertake actions to eliminate TPW.