Characteristics of Ets Exposure in Internet Cafes, Pubs, and Pool Halls Around a University Campus

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine the indoor level of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) and to assess the implementation rate of smoke-free law at hospitality venues around a university campus by measuring particulate matter smaller than 2.5 μm (PM2.5) as an indicator of ETS. We measured the indoor PM2.5 concentrations at 20 internet cafes, 20 pubs, and 20 pool halls using Sidepak AM510, a direct reading portable real time monitor, from October to December 2015. Smoking was observed in 65% of internet cafes, 10% of pubs, and 85% of pool halls. The average of PM2.5 concentration was 98.2 μg/m 3 , 29.0 μg/m 3 , and 134.2 μg/m 3 at internet cafes, pubs, and pool halls, respectively. PM2.5 concentrations in internet cafes and pool halls were 2 to 2.7 times higher than the 24 hour exposure standard for outdoor PM2.5 (50 μg/m 3) of the Ministry of the Environment. Although a smoking ban had been implemented at internet cafes and pubs, smoking is still taking place in those places. More stringent legal action are required for the success of legal action to protect patrons and workers from secondhand smoke exposure. The ban on smoking in pool halls should be introduced as soon as possible.