title: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke in Chaves after the implementation of the law 37/2007. A cross-sectional study in two healthcare settings.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is currently the main indoor pollutant and causes a high morbility and mortality. A partial restriction came into force in Portugal, in 2008, law 37/2007, trying to control, define and regulate smoke-free environments.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess exposure and perceived impact of the law 37/2007 on exposure to ETS among adults attending to the two health care facilities of Chaves (Portugal).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey on tobacco consumption and exposure to ETS was undertaken in Chaves (Northern Portugal) between November 2009 and February 2010. All the patients, over 17, attending to any of the Chaves Primary Care Facilities were interviewed. Patient enrolment was done on a rolling basis covering all days of the week. A face to face interview was carried out and a carbon monoxide was measured. Prevalence and means are shown with 95% confidence intervals.
  
  
  RESULTS
  287 patients participated in the survey, 56% were males and the mean age was 54 years. Smoking prevalence was 23,6%, significantly higher in males (31% vs 17%). 46,2% reported exposure tobacco smoke elsewhere (53% in males vs. 40% in females). Smokers declared to be more exposed to ETS than non-smokers. 16.2% of the population declared to be exposed at home, 14% at work and 33% at leisure places. The highest decrease in perception of passive exposure was found for restaurants (95%). In nightclubs 68% of the participants stated that exposure has remained unchanged.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The tobacco control law offered protection against tobacco smoke in several closed public spaces. However, a significant proportion of the population remains exposed. This study highlights the ineffectiveness of a partial ban. A comprehensive law is, therefore, required in Portugal.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Medicina Preventiva e Saúde Pública, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Paradela
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pérez-Ríos
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ruano-Ravina
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Barros-Dios
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006268:Health Facilities; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011174:Portugal; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution
keywords: Cross-sectional studies; Environmental tobacco smoke; Estudo transversal; Fumo ambiental do tabaco; Fumo passivo; Prevalence; Prevalência; Questionnaires; Questionários; Secondhand smoke