Effects of passive smoking in the work place on expiration air carbon monoxide [CO] and carboxihemoglobin [COHB] levels: results of a survey in Turkey

ABSTRACT

To assess the prevalence of smoking and the effects of passive smoking among bank employees. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2001 and 2002. Data was collected through questionnaire. The level of Carbon Monoxide [CO] and the percentage of Carboxihemogtobin [COHb] level in the blood were measured by using Bendfond Pico Smokertyser. Chi-square and ANOVA were used. Six hundred fifty four respondents participated in the study which included 384 [58.7%] male and 267 [40.6%] female. The mean value for CO in the expiration air was 14.57 +/- 11.1 ppm [[18.49 +/- 11.21, 7.74 +/- 5.71 and 4.85 +/- 2.35; for current smokers, non-smokers with current exposure and non-smokers without current exposure, respectively [p<0.001]]. The mean value for COHb% was 2.97 +/- 1.9 [[3.60 +/- 1.88, 1.80 +/- 1.17 and 1.21 +/- 0.99; for current smokers, non-smokers with current exposure and non-smokers without current exposure, respectively [p<0.001]. Passive smoking is still a significant health problem in the work place. Anti-tobacco implementations should be carried out strictly in all work places