Effects of a restricted work-site smoking policy on employees who smoke.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the biological and subjective consequences observed in individual smokers after implementation of a workplace smoking-restriction policy.


METHODS
Employees were evaluated for 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after their workplace became smoke-free (n = 34). A comparison group of smokers whose work-site smoking was unrestricted served as controls (n = 33). Daily exposure to tobacco constituents and withdrawal effects were measured.


RESULTS
Smokers at the restricted site had verified smoking reduction (mean = four cigarettes per day) and significantly reduced nicotine and carbon monoxide during the work shift. There were increases in ratings of some common withdrawal symptoms (cravings/urges, concentration difficulties, increased eating, depression). No evidence of compensatory smoking during nonwork hours was found. Overall tobacco exposure, as measured in saliva cotinine, showed a nonsignificant 15% decline.


CONCLUSIONS
Workplace smoking restriction markedly altered smoking patterns (i.e., reduced daytime smoking) and reduced cotinine levels to an amount consistent with cigarette reduction. Thus, work-site smoking restriction may promote meaningful, albeit limited, reductions in tobacco exposure and consequent health risks.
Brigham
J
J
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.
Gross
J
J
Stitzer
M L
ML
Felch
L J
LJ
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001519:Behavior; D003367:Cotinine / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009538:Nicotine / Q000032:analysis; D016272:Occupational Health; D016134:Organizational Policy; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D017132:Workplace
D009538:Nicotine; D003367:Cotinine