The impact of a 100% smoke-free law on the health of hospitality workers from the city of Neuquén, Argentina.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of 100% smoke-free environment legislation on respiratory and sensory irritation symptoms and respiratory function among bar and restaurant workers from the city of Neuquén, Argentina.


METHODS
Pre-ban and post-ban studies without a comparison group in an Argentinean city were conducted. A baseline survey and spirometric measurements were performed with a total of 80 bar and restaurant workers 1 month before (October 2007) and 3 months after (March 2008) the implementation of the new 100% smoke-free legislation.


RESULTS
A significant reduction in secondhand smoke exposure was observed after the enactment and enforcement of the new legislation, and an important reduction in respiratory symptoms (from a pre-ban level of 57.5% to a post-ban level of only 28.8%). The reduction of sensory irritation symptoms was even higher. From 86.3% of workers who reported at least one sensory irritation symptom in October 2007, only 37.5% reported the same symptoms in March 2008. Also, data obtained by spirometry showed a significant forced vital capacity increase.


CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with other studies, 100% smoke-free legislation improved short-term health outcomes in the sample and should be implemented nationwide. Furthermore, undertaking this study has been highly important in promoting 100% smoke-free environment legislation at the workplace as a legitimate right of hospitality workers, and in reducing social acceptance of designated smoking areas in bars and restaurants.
Schoj
Veronica
V
GRANTAHI (Programa de Control de Tabaco) y Servicio de Medicina Familiar, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. vschoj@fibertel.com.ar
Alderete
Mariela
M
Ruiz
Ernesto
E
Hasdeu
Santiago
S
Linetzky
Bruno
B
Ferrante
Daniel
D
D000328:Adult; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D001290:Attitude; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013147:Spirometry; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017132:Workplace
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution