Global air monitoring study: a multi-country comparison of levels of indoor air pollution in different workplaces
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
;
: 202-206, 2009.
Article
in English
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-340667
ABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>A local study completed in Singapore, which was part of an international multi-country study that aims to develop a global assessment of exposure to second-hand smoke in indoor workplaces, gathered data regarding the indoor air quality of public areas. It was hypothesised that air would be less polluted in non-smoking venues compared to places where smoking occurred.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>A TSI SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor was used to sample and record the levels of respirable suspended particles (RSP) in the air. A broad range of venues were sampled in Singapore. The primary goal of data analysis was to assess the difference in the average levels of RSP in smoke-free and non smoke-free venues. Data was assessed at 3 levels (a) the mean RSP across all venues sampled compared with the mean levels of smoke-free and non smoke-free venues, (b) levels in venues where smoking occurred compared with similar venues in Ireland, and (c) comparison between smoke-free and non smoke-free areas according to the type of venue. Statistical significance was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The level of indoor air pollution was 96% lower in smoke-free venues compared to non smoke-free venues. Averaged across each type of venue, the lowest levels of indoor air pollution were found in restaurants (17 microg/m3) and the highest in bars (622 microg/m3); both well above the US EPA Air Quality Index hazardous level of >or=251 ug/m3.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study demonstrates that workers and patrons are exposed to harmful levels of a known carcinogen and toxin. Policies that prohibit smoking in public areas dramatically reduce exposure and improve worker and patron health.</p>
Full text:
Available
Index:
WPRIM (Western Pacific)
Main subject:
Restaurants
/
Singapore
/
Smoking
/
Environmental Monitoring
/
Air Pollution, Indoor
/
Workplace
/
Ireland
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
/
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
Year:
2009
Type:
Article
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