Global air monitoring study: a multi-country comparison of levels of indoor air pollution in different workplaces.
BACKGROUND
A local study completed in Singapore, which was part of an international multi-country study that aims to develop a global assessment of exposure to second-hand smoke in indoor workplaces, gathered data regarding the indoor air quality of public areas. It was hypothesised that air would be less polluted in non-smoking venues compared to places where smoking occurred.


METHODS
A TSI SidePak AM510 Personal Aerosol Monitor was used to sample and record the levels of respirable suspended particles (RSP) in the air. A broad range of venues were sampled in Singapore. The primary goal of data analysis was to assess the difference in the average levels of RSP in smoke-free and non smoke-free venues. Data was assessed at 3 levels: (a) the mean RSP across all venues sampled compared with the mean levels of smoke-free and non smoke-free venues, (b) levels in venues where smoking occurred compared with similar venues in Ireland, and (c) comparison between smoke-free and non smoke-free areas according to the type of venue. Statistical significance was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U-test.


RESULTS
The level of indoor air pollution was 96% lower in smoke-free venues compared to non smoke-free venues. Averaged across each type of venue, the lowest levels of indoor air pollution were found in restaurants (17 microg/m3) and the highest in bars (622 microg/m3); both well above the US EPA Air Quality Index hazardous level of >or=251 ug/m3.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that workers and patrons are exposed to harmful levels of a known carcinogen and toxin. Policies that prohibit smoking in public areas dramatically reduce exposure and improve worker and patron health.
Department of Surgical Oncology, National Cancer Centre, Singapore. dsokhn@nccs.com.sg
Heng Nung
HN
Koong
Deborah
D
Khoo
Cheryl
C
Higbee
Mark
M
Travers
Andrew
A
Hyland
K Michael
KM
Cummings
Carolyn
C
Dresler
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D007494:Ireland; D012147:Restaurants; D012846:Singapore; D012907:Smoking; D017132:Workplace