Continued Reduction of Particulate Matter in Bars Six Months After Adoption of a Smoke-Free Ordinance

The purpose of this study was to measure particulate matter (PM2.5) in pubs and bars prior to the adoption of a comprehensive, citywide smoke-free ordinance, as well as at multiple time points after adoption. Ten venues in a Southern U.S. city were measured at 1-month preordinance and at 1-, 3-, and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of environmental health 2018-07, Vol.81 (1), p.8-15
Main Authors: Williams, Ronald D., Housman, Jeff M., Evans, Jennifer L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ADVANCEMENT OF THE SCIENCE
Air quality
Air quality measurements
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Disease control
Environmental protection
Health risk assessment
Health risks
Ordinances
Outdoor air quality
Particulate matter
Particulates
Risk
Smoke
Statistical analysis
Time measurement
Tobacco smoke
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to measure particulate matter (PM2.5) in pubs and bars prior to the adoption of a comprehensive, citywide smoke-free ordinance, as well as at multiple time points after adoption. Ten venues in a Southern U.S. city were measured at 1-month preordinance and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month postordinance. Air quality risk was determined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index. Data revealed a statistically signifi cant difference (p < .001; Eta² = .889) in PM2.5 levels for the four time points. Air quality measurements showed that PM2.5 was 202.17 ± 97.89 (mean ± SD) at 1-month preordinance, 25.53 ± 14.18 at 1-month postordinance, 18.00 ± 8.43 at 3-month postordinance, and 10.77 ± 2.45 at 6-month postordinance. At the preordinance measurement, no venue was found to be in the “good” (minimal risk) range of the Air Quality Index; however, 100% of venues presented minimal air quality risk by the 3-month postordinance measurement. This study shows that adoption of smoke-free ordinances yields immediate reductions in health risks with continued air quality improvements up to 6-month postordinance (the last time point measured).
ISSN:0022-0892