title: [Second-hand smoke exposure in hospitality venues in Barcelona: measurement of respirable particles].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To quantify the concentration of respirable particles equal to or smaller than 2.5μm (PM(2.5)) as a marker of second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure in a sample of hospitality venues in Barcelona 2 years after the Spanish smoking law came into effect.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study from October to December 2007. The study population consisted of 40 hospitality venues in Barcelona selected by a random route sampling, with representation of the different types of smoking regulation included in the law (smoking allowed, smoking ban and venues with smoking areas). SHS levels were quantified by measuring PM(2.5) concentrations, which were measured using a laser photometer (Side Pack AM 510 Personal Aerosol Monitor). The measurements were carried out for 5 minutes outside the venue and for 30 minutes inside the venue. In addition, observational variables related to the characteristics of the venue and signs of tobacco consumption were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The concentration of PM(2.5) in venues where smoking was still allowed was five times higher than that in venues where smoking was banned (182μg/m(3) and 34μg/m(3), respectively) and exceeded the concentration established by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as harmful (35μg/m(3)). However, in venues where smoking was banned, the concentration was lower than the EPA standard and there were no significant differences with the outdoor PM(2.5) concentration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Two years after the introduction of the Spanish smoking law, SHS exposure in venues where smoking was allowed was q still very high, representing a significant health risk for hospitality workers.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Evaluación y Métodos de Intervención, Agència de Salud Pública de Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Nazmy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Villarroel
authors.forename: María José
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: López
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Martínez
authors.forename: Esteve
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Fernández
authors.forename: Manel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nebot
mesh_terms: D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000032:analysis* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D009391:Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; D010316:Particle Size; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards; D011897:Random Allocation; D012147:Restaurants / Q000145:classification / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014504:Urban Health
chemical_list: D052638:Particulate Matter; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution