title: Excessive exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke among hospitality workers in Kyrgyzstan.
abstract: The aim of this study was to assess the levels of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure of men and women in public places in Kyrgyzstan. This cross-sectional study involved 10 bars and restaurants in Bishkek the capital city of Kyrgyzstan. Smoking was allowed in all establishments. Median (interquartile range) air nicotine concentrations were 6.82 (2.89, 8.86) microg/m(3). Employees were asked about their smoking history and exposure to SHS at work. Employees were exposed to SHS for mean (SD) 13.5 (3.6) hours a day and 5.8 (1.4) days a week. Women were exposed to more hours of SHS at work compared to men. Hospitality workers are exposed to excessive amounts of SHS from customers. Legislation to ban smoking in public places including bars and restaurants is urgently needed to protect workers and patrons from the harmful effects of SHS.
authors.affiliation: Public Association Lung Health, Togolok Moldo Street 1, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. denisvinnikov@mail.ru
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Vinnikov
authors.forename: Nurlan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Brimkulov
authors.forename: Shahida
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shahrir
authors.forename: Patrick
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Breysse
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Navas-Acien
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005260:Female; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D007707:Kyrgyzstan; D008297:Male; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D014026:Nicotiana
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution