Abstract
Abstract
Purpose: This study was aimed at evaluating the actual status after enforcement of the Kanagawa Prefectural
Government Ordinance on Prevention of Exposure to Secondhand Smoke in Public Facilities, in terms of the
measurement in the ambient air of PM2.5 and measurement of individual exposures in employees, in order to devise
a better way of implementing effective measures against passive smoking at the workplace.
Subjects and Methods: A total of 10 facilities at Kanagawa Prefecture were included in this study. Measure
ments of the ambient air at each facility were carried out with a dust meter that was capable of measuring
microparticles (PM2.5), and individual exposures (dust, urinary cotinine concentration) of the employees were
also determined to evaluate the results in relation to the Ordinance and measures taken against passive
smoking.
Results: At facilities where measures other than a ban on smoking were adopted, both the ambient environment
and individual exposures of employees exceeded the WHO criteria (25 mg/m3 or less per day). The measured
urinary concentrations of cotinine in employees working at facilities where smoking was allowed or with separate
smoking areas were also consistent, suggesting passive smoking in 4 of 5 cases.
Conclusion: Based on the results of measurement of the ambient air and individual exposures (dust and urinary
cotinine concentration) in employees, it is inferred that measures other than a ban on smoking are insufficient,
and the policy of transition to a total ban on smoking is necessary.
