Abstract
Abstract
Background: Passive smoking has been shown to exert a more serious influence at workplaces than at any other
places in Japan; therefore, immediate attention is needed for effective measures to prevent passive smoking
at workplaces. The present study was aimed at investigating effective measures to provide smoke-free environments
at workplaces.
Method: For the purpose of measuring the exposure level to SHS（Secondhand smoke） at work facilities, the
level of particle matter (PM2.5), which has been proven to be associated with some diseases such as lung cancer
and myocardial infarction, and for the control of which the WHO has issued Guidelines for Air Quality,
was measured and evaluated based on the types of measures used against passive smoking. The urinary level of
cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, was also measured in the workers, and evaluated based on the types of
measures used against passive smoking.
Results: The measured levels of PM2.5 at 214 facilities and of the urinary levels of cotinine in 143 workers
were compared among places implementing different types of measures used against passive smoking at their
facilities, including a complete ban on smoking at the facility, separation of smoking areas in buildings
(smoking room, smoking corner, and smoking allowed during a specific time), and no ban on smoking in the office
. The results indicated the presence of exposure to passive smoking at all the facilities, except at the
facilities that had imposed a complete ban on smoking.
Conclusion: This study suggests that a complete ban on smoking at the work facility is the only effective
measure to prevent passive smoking at work.
