HOW DOES THE IRISH SMOKING BAN MEASURE UP? A BEFORE AND AFTER STUDY OF PARTICLE CONCENTRATIONS IN IRISH PUBS

摘要

On March 29th 2004, Ireland became the first country to ban smoking in indoor workplaces. The effectiveness of this major public health initiative on exposure and risk for bar workers in Galway city was assessed. 9 city pubs were sampled for particulate matter as a marker of second-hand smoke (SHS) concentrations. Sampling was carried out on five Saturday nights, three prior to, and two following the ban. The observed PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations are presented, and these include a post-ban drop in PM2.5 concentrations of 75-96% relative to pre-ban levels, and a drop in PM10 concentrations of 47-74% relative to pre-ban levels. In the light of these findings, the risk reduction impact of the ban on those in the hitherto high risk hospitality sector is discussed.