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Secondhand smoke exposure (PM2.5) in outdoor dining areas and its correlates.

Dec 19th, 2011
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Source

Cancer Council Victoria, Carlton, Australia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

This study assessed the magnitude of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure when people smoke in outdoor dining areas and explored conditions influencing exposure levels.

METHODS:

Data were gathered from 69 outdoor dining areas in Melbourne, Australia, during April/May 2007. Sitting at tables within 1 metre of an active smoker, the authors measured the concentration of particulate pollution (PM(2.5)) using TSI SidePak Personal Aerosol Monitors. PM(2.5) data were recorded by the monitor at 30-second intervals, and data were collected over an average of 25.8 minutes per venue. Information was collected about the presence of overhead coverings and the number of patrons and lit cigarettes.

RESULTS:

The average background level of PM(2.5) was 8.4 microg/m(3) (geometric mean (GM)=6.1 microg/m(3)), increasing to an average of 17.6 microg/m(3) (GM=12.7 microg/m(3)) over the observational period and 27.3 microg/m(3) (GM=17.6 microg/m(3)) during the time that cigarettes were actively smoked near the monitor. There was substantial variation in exposure levels, with a maximum peak concentration of 483.9 microg/m(3) when there were lit cigarettes close to the monitor. Average exposure levels increased by around 30% for every additional active smoker within 1 metre of the monitor. Being situated under an overhead cover increased average exposure by around 50%.

CONCLUSIONS:

When individuals sit in outdoor dining venues where smokers are present it is possible that they will be exposed to substantial SHS levels. Significant increases in exposure were observed when monitors were located under overhead covers, and as the number of nearby smokers increased. The role of outdoor smoking restrictions in minimising exposure to SHS must be considered.

PMID:

19850553

[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20701558

Health Promot J Austr. 2010 Aug;21(2):99-105.

Second hand smoke in alfresco areas.

Stafford J, Daube M, Franklin P.

Source

WA Tobacco Document Searching Program, Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia. j.stafford@curtin.edu.au

Abstract

ISSUE ADDRESSED:

There are moves to ban smoking in outdoor areas of pubs, restaurants and cafes. Some argue that this is unnecessary as exposure to second hand smoke (SHS) is minimal. The aim of this study was to determine potential exposure of patrons to SHS in outdoor areas of eating and drinking venues.

METHODS:

Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were measured in the alfresco areas of 28 cafes and pubs. Data were collected on the number of smokers present during sampling and factors that could influence PM2.5 concentrations. PM2.5concentrations for periods with and without smokers were compared using paired and independent sample tests.

RESULTS:

PM2.5 concentrations were significantly increased when there was at least one smoker compared to periods with no smoking (14.25microg/m3 and 3.98 g/m3, respectively). There was evidence of a dose response increase with mean concentrations for none, one and two or more smokers of 3.98, 10.59and 17.00microg/m3, respectively. The differences remained significant after controlling for other factors. When two or more people were smoking, average PM2.5reached levels the US Environmental Protection Agency warns may put particularly sensitive people at risk of respiratory symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS:

Smoking increases PM2.5concentrations in outdoor areas to levels that are potentially hazardous to health.

PMID:

20701558

[PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]

Second-hand smoke ‘drifts’ indoors

Dec 19th, 2011
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http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/health/6160066/Second-hand-smoke-drifts-indoors

Kim

CRAIG SIMCOX/Fairfax NZ

FRESH AIR?: Matterhorn duty manager Kim O’Leary in the outdoor smoking area.

Health

Even sitting indoors in a smokefree pub may not protect you from second-hand smoke.

Seven years after laws came into force banning smoking inside bars, Wellington researchers have found that the air quality inside pubs is being affected by “drift” from legal semi-enclosed outdoor smoking areas.

Further regulations may be needed to protect people indoors, they say.

The team of researchers from Otago University, Wellington, visited seven city bars on three separate occasions and measured particulate levels – one way to detect second-hand smoke – in outdoor areas, inside the bar close to the outdoor area, and further inside.

All outdoor measurements, and nearly all indoor measurements, were greater than World Health Organisation guidelines for air quality. Even deep inside the pub, average particulate readings were twice the maximum level.

When there was constant access between the indoor and outdoor areas – for example, a door left open – inside levels were much higher.

The group defined semi-enclosed outdoor areas as those with three walls, or four walls but no roof.

Lead author Professor Richard Edwards said it was worrying that even outdoor areas that met legal requirements were contaminating indoor areas.

“The most important finding is that you can get drift from those semi-enclosed outdoor areas to areas much further inside the pub.”

Bar staff were most likely to suffer from the exposure, especially at pubs that had bars in their outdoor areas, Dr Edwards said. He urged policymakers to consider tightening the regulations for outdoor areas. That could include ensuring that connecting doors and windows be kept shut as much as possible. “You might also change the criteria for the degree of enclosure that’s allowed.”

Places such as Queensland had laws requiring at least 50 per cent of outdoor seating in pubs to be smoke-free, he said.

“Lots of non-smokers do like to go outside on a nice day, so it becomes a question of whether part of that area should be smoke-free.”

Although the researchers would not identify which bars they tested, they confirmed that courtyards like those at Wellington bar Matterhorn, met the testing criteria.

Matterhorn general manager Zach Twentyman said the doors to the courtyard were opened during gigs but were otherwise kept closed.

None of his staff had complained about drifting smoke or asked not to work in the outdoor bar. “To be honest, most of them smoke.”

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– © Fairfax NZ News

‘Cigarette smoke should be treated like asbestos’

Dec 19th, 2011
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http://www.news.com.au/national/cigarette-smoke-should-be-treated-like-asbestos/story-e6frfkvr-1226225271744

Smoker

Gamze Dastan, 20, has lunch and a cigarette at a cafe on Phillip St, Parramatta. Picture: Adam Ward Source: The Daily Telegraph

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ATTENTION smokers: your days of puffing away in NSW restaurants are numbered – if the state’s councils have their way.

NSW cabinet is considering a proposal to stub out alfresco smoking across the state.

Local governments in the city and the bush have put forward the proposal to make a uniform law out of what they say is a patchwork of conflicting rules across jurisdictions.

Should smokers be banned in public? Tell us below.

Sydney City and Parramatta, the two councils with the most cafes and bars, are leading the push for NSW Health Minister Jillian Skinner to bring in the blanket ban. Last week Parramatta launched an assault on cafe smokers, against the wishes of two-thirds of its business community.

Just 33 of 152 councils in NSW have outlawed smoking in outdoor dining areas – but they claim it’s a job for the state.

Councils have labelled current bans as sporadic, and say the “inconsistency is a catalyst for confusion and angst: among both the smoking and not smoking population”.

However, the state government risks breaking a memorandum of understanding signed during the election campaign, which promises to keep smoking as the status quo.

The Daily Telegraph understands a new smoking policy is before the cabinet.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Lorraine Wearne said a state ban would eliminate confusion from Sydney’s 44 councils that have different smoking policies.

“The state government needs to come on board and make it clear what is permitted and in what areas, instead of leaving it to councils to implement their own smoke-free policies,” she said.

Parramatta will ban smokers from lighting up in alfresco dining areas including its premier Eat Street from May 1, next year – despite studies finding up to 70 per cent of business owners thought the ban would have a major impact on their takings.

Sydney City Lord Mayor Clover Moore will also write to the state government “to lobby for introduction of legislation that uniformly prohibits smoking in outdoor dining areas on public land”.

A spokeswoman for Health Minister Jillian Skinner said the government could not comment until the issue had been through cabinet.

Action on Smoking and Health Australia spokesman Stafford Sanders said a state-wide ban was long overduefor NSW.

“Tobacco is a highly toxic, carcinogenic contaminant, “he said.

“There is no good reason why it should be treated differently to asbestos.”

A spokesman for Clubs NSW said clubs and hotels spent more than $1 billion building outdoor smoking areas to comply with smoking laws established by the previous state government.

The proposed ban is being driven by The Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW (LGSA).

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/cigarette-smoke-should-be-treated-like-asbestos/story-e6frfkvr-1226225271744#ixzz1gu1ZPVPw

Environmental tobacco smoke in outdoor areas: a rapid review of the research literature.

Nov 27th, 2011
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Executive Summary
Restrictions on smoking outdoors have been introduced for reasons of public
amenity and to promote litter reduction. This review considers the evidence about
whether outdoor secondhand smoke (SHS) might also pose health risks to others.
Six published studies have assessed outdoor levels of SHS using metred PM2.5 as a
marker of exposure. The magnitude of PM2.5is dependent on the number of smokers
present, proximity of the measurement device to the source of the SHS, the extent
to which the outdoor space is physically constrained (e.g., walls, partial roof,
umbrellas), and wind. The data show peak outdoor PM2.5 levels in semi‐enclosed
areas with several smokers present can be comparable to those recorded in indoor
smoky environments. However, outdoor PM2.5 levels are more transient as the
smoke plume is less confined and can rapidly dissipate.
SHS can be a major source of PM2.5, particularly in indoor environments. The average
PM2.5 level in bars where smoking occurs is 303 μg/m3 and 157 μg/m3 in restaurants.
Because of repeated and cumulative exposure to SHS in outdoor settings like beer
gardens and outdoor eating areas, occupational exposures to PM2.5 from SHS are
likely to be far higher than those experienced by patrons who are present for far
shorter periods. We estimate that occupational exposure to SHS in waitstaff working
in outdoor patio areas where smoking is allowed could average 1.6 to 9.8 μg/m3 per
year. It is thus plausible that occupational exposure to PM2.5 in outdoor work
settings where smoking is allowed could exceed the Australian National Environment
Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality benchmark annual average target of
8μg/m3 .
An increase of 5μg/m3 to 10 μg/m3 in average annual PM2.5 exposure is associated with
a 3‐6% increase in all‐cause mortality.
Personal monitoring studies have not yet been conducted to corroborate modelled
estimates of staff exposure in these settings. Such studies should be conducted to
test the modelled exposure estimates we have calculated.

Executive SummaryRestrictions on smoking outdoors have been introduced for reasons of publicamenity and to promote litter reduction. This review considers the evidence aboutwhether outdoor secondhand smoke (SHS) might also pose health risks to others.Six published studies have assessed outdoor levels of SHS using metred PM2.5 as amarker of exposure. The magnitude of PM2.5is dependent on the number of smokerspresent, proximity of the measurement device to the source of the SHS, the extentto which the outdoor space is physically constrained (e.g., walls, partial roof,umbrellas), and wind. The data show peak outdoor PM2.5 levels in semi‐enclosedareas with several smokers present can be comparable to those recorded in indoorsmoky environments. However, outdoor PM2.5 levels are more transient as thesmoke plume is less confined and can rapidly dissipate.SHS can be a major source of PM2.5, particularly in indoor environments. The averagePM2.5 level in bars where smoking occurs is 303 μg/m3 and 157 μg/m3 in restaurants.Because of repeated and cumulative exposure to SHS in outdoor settings like beergardens and outdoor eating areas, occupational exposures to PM2.5 from SHS arelikely to be far higher than those experienced by patrons who are present for farshorter periods. We estimate that occupational exposure to SHS in waitstaff workingin outdoor patio areas where smoking is allowed could average 1.6 to 9.8 μg/m3 peryear. It is thus plausible that occupational exposure to PM2.5 in outdoor worksettings where smoking is allowed could exceed the Australian National EnvironmentProtection Measure for Ambient Air Quality benchmark annual average target of8μg/m3 .An increase of 5μg/m3 to 10 μg/m3 in average annual PM2.5 exposure is associated witha 3‐6% increase in all‐cause mortality.Personal monitoring studies have not yet been conducted to corroborate modelledestimates of staff exposure in these settings. Such studies should be conducted totest the modelled exposure estimates we have calculated.

Download PDF : OutdoorSmokingReview%282010%29

Environmental tobacco smoke in outdoor areas: a rapid review of the research literature.

Nov 27th, 2011
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http://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/handle/2123/7914

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/2123/7914
Title: Environmental tobacco smoke in outdoor areas: a rapid review of the research literature.
Authors: Chapman, Simon
Hyland, Andrew
Keywords: smoking
tobacco
secondhand smoke
environmental tobacco smoke
outdoor
review
Issue Date: 25-Nov-2011
Abstract: Restrictions on smoking outdoors have been introduced for reasons of public amenity and to promote litter reduction. This review considers the evidence about whether outdoor secondhand smoke (SHS) might also pose health risks to others. Six published studies have assessed outdoor levels of SHS using metred PM2.5 as a marker of exposure. The magnitude of PM2.5is dependent on the number of smokers present, proximity of the measurement device to the source of the SHS, the extent to which the outdoor space is physically constrained (e.g., walls, partial roof, umbrellas), and wind. The data show peak outdoor PM2.5 levels in semi-enclosed areas with several smokers present can be comparable to those recorded in indoor smoky environments. However, outdoor PM2.5 levels are more transient as the smoke plume is less confined and can rapidly dissipate. SHS can be a major source of PM2.5, particularly in indoor environments. The average PM2.5 level in bars where smoking occurs is 303 µg/m3 and 157 µg/m3 in restaurants. Because of repeated and cumulative exposure to SHS in outdoor settings like beer gardens and outdoor eating areas, occupational exposures to PM2.5 from SHS are likely to be far higher than those experienced by patrons who are present for far shorter periods. We estimate that occupational exposure to SHS in waitstaff working in outdoor patio areas where smoking is allowed could average 1.6 to 9.8 µg/m3 per year. It is thus plausible that occupational exposure to PM2.5 in outdoor work settings where smoking is allowed could exceed the Australian National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality benchmark annual average target of 8µg/m3 . An increase of 5µg/m3 to 10 µg/m3 in average annual PM2.5 exposure is associated with a 3-6% increase in all-cause mortality. Personal monitoring studies have not yet been conducted to corroborate modelled estimates of staff exposure in these settings. Such studies should be conducted to test the modelled exposure estimates we have calculated.
URI: http://hdl.handle.net/2123/7914
Appears in Collections: Research Papers and Publications. Public Health

Victorian councils call for statewide outdoor smoking ban

Sep 22nd, 2011
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http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/victorian-councils-call-for-statewide-outdoor-smoking-ban/story-fn7x8me2-1226141213140

Victorians councils are calling for a statewide ban smoking in alfresco dining areas and playgrounds. Source: The Courier-Mail

VICTORIAN councils have demanded the State Government ban smoking in public outdoor areas.

Formal demands for a statewide smoking ban in alfresco dining areas and playgrounds has been put to the Baillieu Government and councils also want a similar ban for beaches, school entrances and sports grounds.

The Municipal Association of Victoria says co-ordinated action must be taken on health grounds and to eliminate confusion because some councils have enacted smoking bans while others have not.

The City of Hobsons Bay is tonight expected to approve a smoking ban at playgrounds and at Williamstown and Altona beaches.

A Monash Council ban on smoking at playgrounds will extend it to public pools and around council-owned buildings, including sports centres from October 1.

Port Phillip and Frankston councils also have limited smoking bans while other municipalities are considering laws.

MAV president Bill McArthur said a plan had been put to Health Minister David Davis for a uniform ban on smoking in outdoor public places.

“In addition to proposing state smoking bans for alfresco dining and playgrounds, the MAV is asking the Government to investigate and test community support for bans in other public places such as beaches, sports grounds and facilities, and outside school entrances,” Cr McArthur said.

He said several states had already banned or were considering alfresco and playground smoking bans, with smoking causing 4000 deaths and costing about $5 billion a year.

A spokeswoman for Mr Davis said talks were continuing with organisations including VicHealth over future anti-smoking measures.

“The Baillieu Government has also acted swiftly to amend the Tobacco Act to enable prosecution of people who smoke in cars with children and also to indicate its support for plain packaging of cigarettes,” she said.

Hobsons Bay councillor Luba Grigorovitch said the beach smoking ban would take effect in about a month if it won support.

Alfresco smoking ban push

Sep 19th, 2011
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http://parramatta-advertiser.whereilive.com.au/news/story/alfresco-smoking-ban-push/

19 Sept. 2011

WITH North Sydney Council banning smoking in alfresco dining areas, there are renewed calls for Parramatta Council to bite the bullet on the issue.

Recently, North Sydney councillors voted unanimously to ban smoking in alfresco dining areas on council land – while Parramatta is still in the throes of a 12-month survey of diners and restaurants.

North Sydney conducted a survey over six to eight weeks, on its website and through rate notices.

An overwhelming 92 per cent of the 583 participants voted for the ban.

North Sydney Council will ban smoking in alfresco dining areas and other public areas from October 1.

The council also is pushing for a statewide ban on smoking in public places.

Stafford Sanders from the ASH anti-smoking group said North Sydney’s survey’s findings were consistent with public opinion all over Sydney, including Parramatta.

“We have begun circulating a fact sheet on the effects of smoking in dining areas around venues in Parramatta because we feel that people are not being told the truth,” Mr Sanders told The Parramatta Advertiser.

Cr McDermott said that if a council such as North Sydney – a major CBD like Parramatta – could ban smoking in alfresco dining areas, so could Parramatta.

Mr Sanders said there was no evidence that restaurants suffered long-term damage by banning smoking in outside dining areas.

Lord Mayor John Chedid said Parramatta Council’s decision to implement a 12-month survey was introduced “so that it could better understand any concerns of restaurants and its patrons”.

“Parramatta is home to one of Sydney’s largest dining precincts and council is focused on providing a thorough examination of all of the health, social and economic factors so that we can make an informed decision,” Cr Chedid said.

Survey and research results are expected to go before the council by the end of the year.

Shire bans smoking in outdoor dining areas

Jun 23rd, 2011
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http://news.ninemsn.com.au/health/8264495/shire-bans-smoking-in-outdoor-dining-areas

23 June 2011

A local council in Victoria’s south-east has become the first in the state to put a blanket ban on smoking in outdoor dining areas.

Baw Baw Shire councillors voted in favour of the ban on Wednesday, and it also stretches to playgrounds, sporting fields and some pedestrian areas.

Quit director Fiona Sharkie says the ban reflects shifting community values on smoking.

“Cancer Council Victoria research shows over three-quarters (77 per cent) of Victorians believe smoking shouldn’t be allowed in outdoor areas where children are present while seven out of 10 Victorians believe smoking shouldn’t be allowed in outdoor restaurant dining areas,” Ms Sharkie said.

“The majority of Victorians want smoke-free outdoor areas so it’s only natural they should become more commonplace.”

Heart Foundation Victoria chief executive Kathy Bell believes the ban has the potential to lower smoking take-up rates among children raised in the shire.

“Smoke-free environments de-normalise smoking so children are less likely to see smoking, less likely to start smoking and therefore less likely to suffer from the negative effects of tobacco use.”

Smoking is already banned in playgrounds and beaches of some local government areas in Victoria

Smoking on restaurant patios now illegal in SF

Nov 4th, 2010
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Last updated: November 4, 2010

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

Smokers in San Francisco can no longer light up in a restaurant’s outdoor seating area.

The law—approved by the city’s Board of Supervisors in March—went into effect this week.

Restaurants must not post signs advising customers they can only smoke at the curb or in a spot that is at least 15 feet from exits, entrances, windows and vents.

Failure to comply could cost restaurants a $500 fine.

Golden Gate Restaurant Association director Kevin Westlye tells the San Francisco Chronicle the group supported the legislation once a requirement that restaurant owners police people smoking in front of their establishments was removed.

Westlye says restaurant owners want to protect their employees and customers from second hand smoke.

Bus drivers want signs for no-smoking zone

Apr 25th, 2010
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508475767_e7c70e8079_oLast updated: April 13, 2010

Source: South China Morning Post

Bus drivers have urged the government to clearly define no-smoking areas when the smoking ban is extended to all outdoor bus terminuses later this year.

New World First Bus Company Staff Union chairman Chung Chung-fai said bus drivers would have to move to nearby pedestrian areas to smoke, but the boundaries of outdoor transport interchanges were not as clearly defined as covered areas.

“The government should state clearly – such as with banners – where exactly the no-smoking areas are. Otherwise it may be easy for us to break the law,” Chung said.

About 60 per cent to 70 per cent of bus drivers are smokers, Chung said.

The smoking ban will be extended to 128 outdoor transport interchanges in the city by December, including the Star Ferry Pier terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui and the Wan Chai Pier terminus.

But five terminuses will be exempt – those at the Central Ferry Piers, the airport, Ocean Park, Nam Cheong Station and Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Undersecretary for Food and Health Professor Gabriel Leung said these terminuses would undergo major renovation later this year.

“The layout and bus routes may change after the renovation. It will be meaningless if we assign certain areas to be non-smoking now,” he told the Legislative Council health panel yesterday.

Lawmakers also expressed concern over the boundary issue during the panel meeting.

Fred Li Wah-ming of the Democratic Party said as outdoor terminals had no obvious boundary, tobacco control officials might have difficulties prosecuting.

Leung said the government would make sure that the signs would be “clear and everywhere”.

Kwai Tsing district councillor Lam Siu-fai said there were a number of bus terminuses in the district that had “dubious boundaries”.

“Some terminuses do not have fences,” he said. “When prosecuted, smokers can say they just unknowingly stepped into the area.”

Sha Tin district councillor Chan Kwok-tim agreed with Lam and urged the government to recruit more tobacco control inspectors, otherwise the smoking ban would just “remain on paper”.

“I always receive complaints from residents that many people are  still smoking in restaurants, but it has been more than three years  since the indoor smoking ban,” Chan said.

Written by Ng Yuk-hang

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