Second-hand smoke exposure in a sample of European hospitals

Abstract

Smoking in hospitals is banned in many European countries; nevertheless, the level of compliance is diverse, and, in some cases, smoking areas remain. The present study describes the levels of second-hand smoke, as derived from respirable suspended particle measurements, in a sample of European hospitals during the year 2007.The present study was a multicentric descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in 30 hospitals in seven European countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Romania and Spain). Particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 mm (PM2.5) concentration was measured by means of a hand-held laser-operated monitor of particle size and mass concentration in six selected indoor locations. Medians and interquartile ranges of PM2.5 concentration were computed in order to describe the data by country and location of measurement.The median PM2.5 concentration in all countries and locations was 3.0 mg?m -3 , with half of the measurements ranging 2.0-7.0 mg?m -3 . PM2.5 levels were similar across countries. Eleven (5.5%) measurements were .25.0 mg?m -3 , which is the 24-h mean limit recommended by the World Health Organization outdoor air quality guideline.The present results show that exposure to second-hand smoke in this sample of European hospitals is very low, and can be easily monitored in order to ensure smoke-free legislation compliance.

Secondhand smoke levels in public building main entrances: outdoor and indoor PM2.5assessment

“…We measured respirable particles <2.5 μm in diameter (PM 2.5 ) as a well-established marker of tobacco22 smoke with two precalibrated hand-held-operated monitors of particle size and mass concentration (TSI SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor)23 according to a common protocol based on previous studies 24 25. The TSI SidePak uses a built-in sampling pump to draw air through the device, where the particulate matter in the air scatters the light from a laser.…”

“…Walls are defined as any structure that impedes lateral airflow. We also registered different indicators of the presence of tobacco smoking such as the number of cigarettes lit in main entrance (outdoors) (counting continuously all cigarettes lit during the observation in a perimeter of 5 m), presence of ashtrays, presence of cigarette butts and tobacco smell as has been done in previous studies 24 25. The same two investigators made all measurements and observations.…”

Trace metals in size-fractionated particulate matter in a Portuguese hospital: exposure risks assessment and comparisons with other countries

“…All existent studies dedicated to PM in hospitals are summarized in Table 2. Concerning Europe, available information on PM in hospitals exists only for fine fraction (Fernández et al 2009;Nardini et al 2004;Sureda et al 2010). PM2.5 levels obtained in the Portuguese hospital were significantly higher (p <0.05) than those found in other European countries.…”

Impact of a long-term tobacco-free policy at a comprehensive cancer center: a series of cross-sectional surveys

“…By means of these smoking bans, workers at hospitals that have either governmental or non-governmental smoke-free policies in place may benefit more than the general population from such policies. The benefits of smoke-free policies in health care services include: (a) decreased exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) [ 13 , 14 ]; (b) increased number of quit attempts and slightly reduced smoking consumption prevalence [ 15 , 16 ]; and (c) a greater involvement in conducting tobacco prevention and cessation activities [ 17 – 20 ].…”