University Students' Exposure Levels to Secondhand Smoke in Various Hospitality Venues: Findings from South Korea

摘要

[Background] In South Korea, young adults' smoking prevalence is relatively higher than that of other age groups. Although most hospitality venues are subject to regulations mandating a complete indoor smoking ban pursuant to Article 7 of the Enforcement Rules of the National Health Promotion Act, information is limited on university students' secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure levels in hospitality venues after the implementation of the national smoking ban. This study evaluated indoor secondhand smoke levels in various venues and compared the levels with those measured inside campus buildings. [Methods] Using a portable real-time measurement instrument, Sidepak Model AM510 (TSI Inc.), we measured fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations as an exposure marker of SHS. On weekdays, we performed measurements inside of campus buildings (from 12:00 to 2:00 pm) and in hospitality venues (e.g., PC game rooms, billiard rooms, and pubs) from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. On weekends, we performed measurement at clubs and bars, which are recognized as trendy venues among young adults. [Results] The median PM2.5 concentration was 73, 182, 63, and μg/m3 in campus buildings, billiard rooms, and pubs, respectively. The levels at clubs, nightclubs, and hookah bars were as high as 623, 138, and 250.1 μg/m3, indicating that PM2.5 concentrations were 3 to 12-times higher than the exposure guideline for outdoor particulate matter (50 μg/m3) that will be implemented on January 1, 2015 in South Korea. [Conclusion] Our study provides evidence for the introduction of more rigorous policy initiatives aimed at encouraging a complete smoking ban in venues, particularly clubs and periodic monitoring the impact of the national smoking ban.