Informing effective smokefree policies in Argentina: air quality monitoring study in 15 cities (2007-2009).
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate indoor air pollution in hospitality venues in Argentina.


METHODS
PM₂.₅ levels were measured in a convenience sample of venues in 15 cities with different legislative contexts following a protocol developed by Roswell Park Cancer Institute.


RESULTS
554 samples were collected. Across all 5 smoke free cities the mean PM₂.₅ level was lower during daytime vs. evening hours, 24 vs. 98 PM₂.₅ respectively (p=.012). In the three cities evaluated before and after legislation, PM₂.₅ levels decreased dramatically (p<0.001 each). Overall, PM₂.₅ levels were 5 times higher in cities with no legislation vs. smoke free cities (p<0.001). In cities with designated smoking areas, PM₂.₅ levels were not statistically different between smoking and non-smoking areas (p=0.272). Non-smoking areas had significantly higher PM₂.₅ levels compared to 100% smoke free venues in the same city (twofold higher) (p=0.017).


CONCLUSIONS
Most of the participating cities in this study had significantly lower PM₂.₅ levels after the implementation of 100% smoke free legislation. Hence, it represents a useful tool to promote 100% smoke free policies in Argentina.
Fundación Interamericana del Corazón, Argentina. vschoj@fibertel.com.ar
Verónica
V
Schoj
Ernesto M
EM
Sebrié
María Elizabeth
ME
Pizarro
Andrew
A
Hyland
Mark J
MJ
Travers
D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D001118:Argentina; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012907:Smoking / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000032:analysis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014504:Urban Health
D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution
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