Exposure to and annoyance with second-hand smoke in Switzerland: results of the Tobacco Monitoring survey.
OBJECTIVE
To present selected results on exposure to second-hand smoke and experienced annoyance with second-hand smoke in the Swiss population, particularly in restaurants and in the workplace.


METHODS
The data were collected as part of the Swiss Survey of Tobacco Use ("Tobacco Monitoring") commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. It is a representative, continuous survey of tobacco consumption among 14- to 65-year-olds in Switzerland. Since January 2001, four times a year a new sample of 2,500 persons has been taken (i.e. 10000 participants annually). The survey was conducted using standardized telephone interviews in German, French and Italian.


RESULTS
Approximately half of the working population in Switzerland is exposed to second-hand smoke in the workplace. In restaurants, cafes and bars, nearly 9 out of 10 people are exposed to environmental tobacco smoke. Non-smokers in particular report annoyance with second-hand smoke.


CONCLUSIONS
The Swiss population has a high level of exposure to second-hand smoke. There is a need for public health educational programs and legislation aiming at banning smoking in public areas and in the workplace.
Keller
Roger
R
Department of Psychology, Social and Health Psychology University of Zurich, Switzerland. rogerkel@sozpsy.unizh.ch
Prinz-Kaltenborn
Ramona
R
Krebs
Hans
H
Hornung
Rainer
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012147:Restaurants / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013557:Switzerland; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution