Air quality at venues of mixed smoking policies in Kazakhstan

Effect of airflow pattern and distance on removal of particulate matters and volatile organic compounds from cigarette smoke using Sansevieria trifasciata botanical biofilter

Botanical biofilters can effectively remove indoor air pollution. However, to apply botanical biofilters in situ, the distance of botanical biofilter to the pollutants and airflow pattern can be important factors impacting efficiency. This study examined the removal efficiency of particulate matters (PMs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cigarette smoke, such as formaldehyde and acetone, at various distances (100 cm, 175 cm, 240 cm, and 315 cm) using a Sansevieria trifasciata botanical biofilter. The botanical biofilter was placed inside a testing room (24 m³) and exposed to cigarette smoke. The pollutants removal efficiency was evaluated for six cycles (24 h/cycle) and one cycle as a recovery period where botanical biofilter was placed under normal conditions for 30 days. Results showed that the botanical biofilter could remove 140-250 μg m^-3, 147-257 μg m^-3, 212-455 μg m^-3 for PM₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀, respectively, at 8 h. Total VOCs, formaldehyde, and acetone removal were 40%-65%, 46%-69%, and 31%-61% at 24 h. PMs and VOCs removal efficiency can be affected by both distance and pattern of airflow in the testing room. The highest PM₁ and PM_2.5 elimination appeared at 240 cm and 315 cm, while VOCs removal was high at 100 cm. Botanical biofilter creates airflow vortices around 100 cm, indicating low removal of PMs. This is the first study that demonstrated the effect of airflow patterns on different pollutants removal efficiency.

Impact of comprehensive smoke-free policy compliance on SHS exposure and health condition of the Georgian population

INTRODUCTION

Georgia made steps forward in 2017 and adopted new amendments to its tobacco control legislation, which mostly correspond to the FCTC requirements. Among other changes in the regulations is a ban on smoking in public buildings and public transport, with a few exemptions (casinos, big slot clubs, performances in theatres, taxis). The regulation entered into force on 1 May 2018.

METHODS

The aim of the study is to assess the outcomes of the comprehensive smoke-free legislation in Georgia. We used a logical model for data collection and analysis. Our evaluation focuses on smoking prevalence related survey data, SHS exposure, monitoring results on compliance of new tobacco control regulations, Quitline data, and air quality measurement results.

RESULTS

The indoor air quality improved by 91% in the hospitality sector (from 1408 to 126 μg/m³ in 2018 and 117 μg/m³ in 2019), by 80% in public settings (from 531 to 112 μg/m³ in 2018 and 98 μg/m³ in 2019) and sufficiently in healthcare facilities (from 219 to 97-98 μg/m³ in 2018-2019). Demand for Quitline services increased by 30%. New cases of AMI declined by 32% during 2017-2019.

CONCLUSIONS

A comprehensive smoke-free policy with a high level of compliance (≥95%) had a positive impact on the decline of SHS exposure and tremendous improvement of indoor air quality in public places and promotes a decrease in illnesses related to the cardiovascular system in Georgia. Also, demand increased for smoking-cessation services.