Browse > Article
http://dx.doi.org/10.5668/JEHS.2015.41.1.11

Impact of the Smoke-free Law on Secondhand Smoke in Computer Game Rooms  

Guak, Sooyoung (Department of Environmental Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Lee, Kiyoung (Department of Environmental Health and Institute of Health and Environment, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University)
Kim, Sungreol (Department of Environmental Health, Soonchunhyang University)
Kim, Sungcheon (Department of Environmental Engineering, Kunsan National University)
Yang, Wonho (Department of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Daegu)
Ha, Kwonchul (Department of Biochemistry & Health Science, Changwon National University)
Publication Information
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences / v.41, no.1, 2015 , pp. 11-16 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives: This study assessed the impact of the smoke-free law on secondhand smoke exposure in computer game rooms by measuring concentrations of particulate matter smaller than $2.5{\mu}m$($PM_{2.5}$). Methods: Indoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations were measured in 56 (during the smoke-free guidance period) and 118 computer game rooms (after the law went into effect) in four cities (Seoul, Cheonan, Daegu and Kunsan) in Korea. The number of smokers in the computer game rooms was also counted every five minutes. Results: Although a smoking ban had been implemented nationally, smoking was observed in 47% of the computer game rooms. Smoking density decreased from 1.62 persons per $100m^3$ during the guidance period to 0.32 persons per $100m^3$ after the smoke-free law. There is no statistically significant difference of $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations before and after the smoking ban. The $PM_{2.5}$ concentration was two times higher than the US NAAQS of $35{\mu}g/m^3$. The $PM_{2.5}$ concentration in computer game rooms without smokers was two times higher than the outdoor concentration. Conclusion: The smoke-free law in computer game rooms was complied with, even after the guidance period, in Korea. Indoor $PM_{2.5}$ concentration after smoke-free law implementation was high due to this non-compliance. High $PM_{2.5}$ concentration in computer game rooms without smokers might be due to smoking booths. The complete prohibition of smoking in computer game rooms should be implemented to protect patrons from secondhand smoke exposure.
Keywords
Computer game room; Indoor air quality; $PM_{2.5}$; Secondhand smoke; Smoke-free law;
Citations & Related Records
연도 인용수 순위
  • Reference
1 Valente P, Forastire F, Bacosi A, Cattani G, Carlo S, Ferri M, et al. Exposure to fine and ultrafine particles from secondhand smoke in public places before and after the smoking ban, Italy 2005. Tobacco Control. 2007; 16(5): 312-317.   DOI
2 Repace JL, Hyde JN, Brugge D. Air pollution in Boston bars before and after a smoking ban. BMC Public Health. 2006; 6(1): 266.   DOI
3 Lee K, Hahn EJ, Robertson HE, Lee S, Vogel SL, Traver MJ. Strength of smoke-free air laws and indoor air quality. Nicotine & Tobacco Res. 2009; 11(4): 381-386.   DOI
4 Bohac DL, Hewett MJ, Kapphahn KI, Grimsrud DT, Apte MG, Gundel LA. Change in indoor particle levels after a smoking ban in minnesota bars and restaurants. Am J Prev Med. 2010; 39(6): S3-S9.   DOI
5 Waring MS, Siegel JA. An evaluation of the indoor air quality in bars before and after a smoking ban in Austin, Texas. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2006; 17(3): 260-268.   DOI
6 Semple S, Creely KS, Naji A, Miller BG, Ayres JG. Secondhand smoke levels in Scottish pubs: the effect of smoke-free legislation. Tobacco Control. 2007; 16(2): 127-132.   DOI
7 Sohn HJ, Oh AR, Kim OG, Lee K. Secondhand smoke exposure in commercial. Secondhand smoke exposure in commercial personal computer rooms. J Environ Health Sci. 2010; 36(9): 288-293
8 Kim S, Sohn HJ, Lee, K. Exposure to particulate matter and airborne nicotine in computer game rooms after implementation of smoke-free legislation in South Korea. Nicotine & Tobacco Res. 2010; 12(12): 1246-4253.   DOI   ScienceOn
9 Lee K, Hahn EJ, Riker C, Head S, Seithers P. Immediate impact of smoke-free laws on indoor air quality. South Med J. 2007; 100(9): 885-889.   DOI   ScienceOn
10 Hahn E, Lee K, Okoli C, Troutman A, Powell R. Smoke-free laws and indoor air pollution in Lexington and Louisville. Louisville Medicine. 2005; 52(10): 391.
11 Lee K, Hahn E, Pieper N, Okoli C, Repace J. Differential impacts of smoke-free laws on indoor air quality. Int J Environ Health. 2008; 70(8): 24.
12 Lee J, Lom S, Lee K, Guo X, Kamath R, Yamato H, et al. Secondhand smoke exposures in indoor public places in seven Asian countries. Int J Hyg Environ Health. 2010; 213(5): 348-351.   DOI   ScienceOn
13 Liu KS, Alevantis LE, Offermann FJ. Survey of environmental tobacco smoke controls in california office buildings. Indoor Air. 2001; 11(1): 26-34.   DOI
14 Lee K, Hahn EJ, Robertson HE, Whitten L, Jones LK, Zahn B. Air quality in and around airport enclosed smoking rooms. Nicotine & Tobacco Res. 2010; 12(6): 665-668.   DOI
15 Gleich F, Mons U, Potschke-Langer M. Air contamination due to smoking in German restaurants, bars, and other venues-before and after the implementation of a partial smoking ban. Nicotine & Tobacco Res. 2011; 13(11): 1155-1160.   DOI
16 Matt GE, Bernert JT, Hovell MF. Measuring secondhand smoke exposure in children: an ecological measurement approach. J pediatr psychol. 2008; 33(2): 156-175.   DOI
17 Brennan P, Buffler PA, Reynolds P, Wu AH., Wichmann HE., Agudo, A., et al. Secondhand smoke exposure in adulthood and risk of lung cancer among never smokers: a pooled analysis of two large studies. Int J cancer. 2004; 109(1): 125-131.   DOI